Kids' perspectives on 'place in nature' influenced by communities
Date: 18/05/2010 / Category: Indoor play for schools and groups
Children's perspectives on the place humans occupy in the biological world is established by the beliefs and practices of communities, according to new research.
Parents that make looking after animals a key activity for kids could be shaping their overall perspective on the relationship between animals and humans, the Northwestern University study indicates.
This process was found to begin as early as three years-old, which could have key implications for how early science education is conducted in schools, according to researchers.
Commenting on the findings, study co-author Sandra Waxman explained: "If young children's fundamental perspectives on the biological world - and the place of humans within it - are sensitive to the experiences, beliefs and practices of their communities, then by the time they enter school, children from different backgrounds may harbor different perspectives."
Speaking at the Green Collar Economy Forum earlier this month, Forum for the Future director Sara Parkin suggested that sustainability should be central to the British national curriculum through to the end of secondary school education.
Posted by Michael Paige
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