ERIC Number: EJ1099028
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2007
Pages: 16
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: EISSN-1938-9809
EISSN: N/A
An Application of "The Two Cultures" to Environmental Education
Ashmann, Scott
Forum on Public Policy Online, v2007 n3 Sum 2007
Over the past few decades, it has become evident that the natural environment is an entity that humans need to better understand. Environmental education is defined here as the teaching and learning of, and about, nature and human interaction with nature. Traditionally, the environment has been researched and taught about in a piecemeal fashion--studies and instruction in the sciences (hydrology, land cover, soil, atmosphere, etc.) were completely separate from social issues related to the environment. However, a new approach to conducting research has permeated environmental studies whereby a "systems" approach (or a more-holistic view) is utilized that combines ideas and approaches from the sciences and humanities. Some schools are beginning to implement this approach by organizing environmental curricula in a "systems" or holistic manner. This paper provides an application of C.P. Snow's ideas in thinking about how to develop curriculum and teaching strategies that transcend the piecemeal approach (and the corresponding cultures associated with each discipline) and provide a deeper understanding for students of not only the elements of the environment, but also the ways in which they interact and their relationship to social issues.
Descriptors: Environmental Education, Humanities, Art Education, Language Fluency, Values Education, Educational Philosophy, Influence of Technology, Interdisciplinary Approach, Fused Curriculum, Integrated Curriculum, Educational Practices
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Virginia
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A