Date of Award

8-2006

Degree Name

Master of Arts

Department

Geography

First Advisor

Dr. Joseph Stoltman

Second Advisor

Dr. Lisa DeChano

Third Advisor

Dr. Deborah Che

Access Setting

Masters Thesis-Open Access

Abstract

The hypothesis of this research is that elementary students benefit from the Kalamazoo Nature Center's (KNC) one-half day inquiry program, based upon data collected using a Likert scale instrument. The earth science inquiry program at KNC is intended to enhance student attitude about the natural environment. There are two primary components to the research. First, data were collected through a pre-/post-survey from elementary students who participated in the Kalamazoo Nature Center's one half-day environmental education program. The survey was based on the Test of Science Related Attitudes (Fraser, 1981). Second, data were analyzed to assess student attitudes and beliefs before and after the program. Data results suggest no significant change in student attitudes or beliefs as a result of the one-half day inquiry-oriented environmental science experience. This research may help identify positive ways to implement environmental educational programs that model student outcomes.

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