Window into Green, (The)

The goal of environmental education is to create a citizenry that is knowledgeable about the biophysical environment, aware of ways to help solve environmental problems, and motivated to work toward their solution. Today environmental issues are more complex and urgent than ever, but the schools have not met the challenge of preparing young people to make good decisions about these issues, according to Weilbacher. He describes obstacles to environmental literacy, including children's lack of connection with nature; narrowing of the curriculum in response to NCLB; and the lack of a comprehensive, consistent environmental curriculum. Research has shown that exposure to nature and environmental activities have many benefits, and the author describes some innovative models for increasing environmental literacy.