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Abstract
A modified semantic differential was developed to measure environmental attitudes of sixth-graders. Classes were selected to represent different socioeconomic and residence backgrounds and degrees of previous exposure to structured environmental programs. Results indicate that: exposure to environmental education fosters favorable environmental attitudes; socioeconomic background and exposure to environmental education do not influence attitudes toward familiar, nonwater natural elements; urban students from low socioeconomic neighborhoods are unfamiliar with natural processes involving water resources; attitudes most easily transferred identify man as a contributor to environmental problems; and attitudes most difficult to transfer deal with ecological processes. Results provide a way to measure children's environmental attitudes and suggest a way to develop environmental programs for specific student groups.
Parent Publication
Citation
Benjamin, John C.; Moeller, George H.; Morrison, Douglas A. 1977. Measuring environmental attitudes of elementary school students. In: Children, Nature, and the Urban Environment: Proceedings of a Symposium-Fair; Gen. Tech. Rep. NE-30. Upper Darby, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northeastern Forest Experiment Station. 94-100
