Development and Practice of an Educational Program with an Environmental Education Point of View Including an Activated Sludge Experiment in Upper Secondary School Basic Biology; Focusing on the Decomposers

Abstract

In this study, the authors developed an educational program with an environmental perspective for an upper secondary school Basic Biology class that included an activated sludge experiment, focusing on the decomposers, and attempted to clarify the lesson’s positive educational impact in a practical manner. It became clear that students’ knowledge and understanding of bacteria, activated sludge, protists, and ecology of rivers were all improved. They were able to learn effectively about decomposition and water purification via the activated sludge and, further, were able to successfully acquire knowledge about the existence and role of decomposers. Moreover, the activity was found to have boosted the students’ motivation with regard to environmental conservation and their awareness of the importance of bacteria.