Program on the Environment

Environmental problems that threaten all living beings and the balance of nature have increased drastically over the past century. To address this, we need an environmentally knowledgeable population that understands the interconnectedness of the human and non-human worlds, beginning with primary environmental education. Environmental Education (EE) is a multidisciplinary process meant to teach how environments function and how humans fit within natural systems. However, environmental learning is currently compartmentalized, inconsistent in quality, and largely ineffective in influencing long-term behavior. The purpose of this study was to explore the limitations of EE and identify strategies to make environmental lessons more holistic and impactful. To reach this goal, I worked with Sound Salmon Solutions (SSS), a nonprofit dedicated to conservation of Pacific salmon and watersheds in Washington, to deliver lessons to 3rd and 4th graders in King, Snohomish, and Skagit County public schools. During my internship, I observed and led lessons, conducted literary research about holistic and nature-based education, and distributed a survey for local Washington residents regarding their EE experience. This research indicates that integrating EE into curriculums, incorporating holistic teaching practices, and increasing collaboration between classroom teachers and external environmental educators maximizes the likelihood of children developing a profound relationship with nature. These findings suggest that while current EE programs have made important strides toward improving environmental literacy, lessons must become part of everyday childhood learning. Fostering children’s connectedness to nature and environmental knowledge will build a foundation for understanding the world through a respectful and reciprocal lens.