Environmental Education and Curriculum at Primary Level

An effort has been made to redefine environmental education and differentiate it from environmental studies (EVS). EVS at primary level has been highlighted and the curriculumdevelopment process fromclasses I to V discussed.Ashift in environmental education from knowledge based to issue based education is desirable in schools. Need for localisation of environmental education is imminent. A scheme has been suggested for evolution of a new revised environmental education curriculum. A survey for relevant social and biophysical parameters was carried out on samples of III, IV and V standard students and teachers of DMS, RIE, Mysore. The sample study was generalised as of Mysorean Kannadiga Hindus. Environmental and socio-cultural issues lacking in the textbooks, inclusion of which could make environmental education more effective locally, havebeen highlighted. It has been concluded that as social and cultural criteria are pre-eminent in the texts, therefore, environmental education should transit from knowledge based to issue based learning to be more effective at the local level.