Constructing societies committed to the natural environment: environmental education in children in southern Morelos, Mexico

Abstract

With the objective of strengthening educational programs in Morelos, Mexico, perceptions and knowledge children and teachers in rural and urban schools in the south of the state have of environment are analyzed here. Through questionnaires it was possible to identify the factors that impact both on the way they perceive the environment and the way they gain knowledge about it. Most rural children do not know the Sierra de Huautla Biosphere Reserve, despite of living there, as well as the environmental deterioration, which contrasts with urban children. This knowledge is related to the place where they live and to the sensitivity of teachers, who have a great influence on their students’ attitudes, and, consequently, they must use fun and meaningful strategies for motivating them to discover and take care of the environment. The involvement of academic, governmental and private institutions, as well as that of the parents, is essential for generating a full-fledged awareness of the environment in the society.