Abstract
Since 2004, we have established “Environment” as an individual subject at SAPIX, a cram school in the Tokyo metropolitan area, and have conducted a comprehensive and integrated study of it. The methods employed involve showing pictures (photographs, figures or tables) projected onto a screen and active dialogue between the teacher and students. The themes covered have been: 1. Urbanization, 2. Water, 3. Food and agriculture, 4. Forest, 5. Biodiversity, and 6. Resources and energy. Around one thousand 5th grade elementary students take this subject every year. Our education program is designed to enhance knowledge and concern about the environment and environmental issues, and to promote changes in behavior centered on the environment. However, the effects of such education in terms of environmental cognition and attitude have been relatively small, and certain differences in the comprehension of themes pertaining to living things or nature have become evident. We think it is important to acquire knowledge about the environment and environmental issues, while it may also be needed first-hand experience of Nature in infancy and autonomous learning or discussion by students in the advanced stage of study.
