Environmental science in Lincolnshire primary schools: a case study and survey

(1) An historical overview traces the start of concern for the environment in the latter part of the 19th century through to recent international conferences to discuss the importance and implementation of environmental education at all levels. The case is then put for the importance of a structured environmental science scheme in primary education tailored to children's development. (2) A case study of a Lincolnshire primary school follows the planning, building and utilisation of a school environmental science area. It includes the development of an environmental science curriculum and the production of suitable interpretative materials and teaching aids. This is followed by an attempt at a summative evaluation of its effect. (3) The results of a questionnaire survey of Lincolnshire primary schools to determine the present situation with regard to environmental science practice, facilities, and provision are presented. These are compared with a similar survey carried out ten years previously. Minor differences are revealed but the overall pattern of results indicates that there has been little improvement in the intervening decade, and that a great deal of work still needs to be done if environmental science in primary schools is to be accorded its rightful position and importance in the curriculum.