Environmental education for young people

Abstract

This dissertation is concerned with nature interpretation/environmental education and has been orientated towards the under twelve’s age group. I have divided it into two sections. In section A I have discussed what nature interpretation is, as well as the needs, reasons and principles which lie behind it. I have also discussed some methods and media which can be used in nature interpretation.

In section B, I have designed an environmental education programme which is suitable for use by group leaders’ involved with groups such as Girl Guides, Boy Scouts and school classes. I have chosen Okuti Scenic Reserve as the programme resource. The reserve is a small stand of regenerating podocarp forest which is situated on Banks Peninsula within easy reach of Christchurch city. It offers opportunities for studies of both bush and stream environments.

This dissertation has been compiled from ideas and experiences of other people. Every effort has been made to incorporate the theories and principles, discussed in Section A, into a practical programme in Section B.