The Environmental Studies is a compulsory and the most scoring subject in different teaching exams like CTET, REET, UP TET, MP TET and more. A basic understanding is enough to score well on the questions related to Environmental Studies.
In this article, we have given complete study notes on Environmental Studies for your ready reference. These are designed by keeping in mind the teaching exam syllabus and pattern. Go through it and be prepared for the upcoming Government exams in India.
Environmental Studies Concept
It is a theoretical and very conceptual subject, as the candidates must have clarity for all 4 zones of life. It includes
- Atmosphere
- Lithosphere
- Hydrosphere
- Biosphere
Thus, the totality of all physical and biological elements that have a direct impact on an organism’s ability to survive, grow, develop, and reproduce makes up the environment.
Douglas and Holland opined that, “Environment is aggregate of all the external force, influences, and conditions that affect the life, nature, behaviour, growth, development, and maturity of a living organism”. So, it can be stated that the relationship between living things and inanimate objects and how each is essential for the development of an ecosystem.
Scope of Environmental Studies Education
It is an integrated subject. It covers physical, chemical and biological processes which sometimes include mathematical calculation. So, if you talk about the scope of this field, then note that environmental Studies is connected with so many realms. Here, we have listed some of the realms that you must be aware of.
Environmental Studies and Industry
Global industrialization has had a negative impact on the environment. So, adopting an environmentally friendly technique and technology is necessary to prevent further environmental degradation. Biotechnology has demonstrated strong potential in this technologically innovative subject. There are additional branches of environmental research where biotechnology is useful.
Environmental Management and Sustainability
Natural sustainability is very important to maintain the ecological balance. So, the proper application of EVS and its management provides the resolution to various issues like pollution and natural resource degradation.
Research and Development
The discipline of environmental studies accepts a wide range of research initiatives and works. Research is being done to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, adopt renewable energy sources, and regulate pollutants in order to combat global warming
Social Development
NGOs and the media are working to raise awareness of various environmental issues, such as pollution, conservation, and awareness, which causes the general public to become more aware of various environmental factors.
Human Health
Sanitation is required because a clean and hygienic environment is essential for healthy and disease-free living. Thus, a key component of environmental studies is the investigation of human health and sanitation.
Environmental Education Teaching Objectives
The studies of EVS at the primary level are very important, considering the below aspects.
- At this stage, the main goals are to promote a child’s curiosity about the world and involve them in exploratory. Several hands-on activities help them develop their fundamental cognitive and psychomotor abilities. These activities include language, observation, recording, distinction, classification, conclusion, drawing, illustration, design, fiction, estimation, and measurement.
- A child has plenty of opportunities to explore the environment, engage with it, and talk about it through Environmental Studies.
- The EVS curriculum aids a kid in internalising the virtues of orderliness, sincerity, teamwork, and consideration for other people and the environment.
- The environment in the classroom shouldn’t put pressure on the students to perform. It would rather promote individual learning rates and unrestricted interaction between the students and the teacher.
Integrated Studies of EVS
Environmental studies for primary school should be a curriculum that “combines and confines the concepts and theories from science, social science, and environment,” according to the National Curriculum Framework (2005). It is an important subject, as the concept of EVS can be taught throughout the life stages, not only at the primary level.
According to the national curricular framework of 2005, definitions, facts, and scant information are not appropriate in environmental studies at the elementary level. Youngsters should be given the chance to express themselves, learn by doing, ask questions, and conduct experiments. The wording of the book shouldn’t be formal, but it should be simple enough for kids to grasp.
EVS publications ought to include chapters that are based on true events, common difficulties, and contemporary problems relating to petrol, fuel water, forests, animal protection, pollution, etc. Children should have the chance to discuss, participate, and gain a nuanced understanding of these issues through the EVS books for the below listed six themes.
- Family and Friends (including Animals, and Plants)
- Water
- Food
- Clothes
- Shelter
- Travel
- Things that we make and perform in our daily life.
Basically, integrated Environmental Studies have the purpose of encyclopedic development of a person’s social, emotional, and physical perspective.
Environmental Studies: Significance at Primary Level
- Environmental studies are crucial since they reveal information on the food, shelter, drink, air, and other necessities of life.
- By giving a fundamental understanding of how environmental systems work, environmental studies contribute to the preservation of the ecological balance.
- The skills needed to ask the questions and, far too frequently, find the solutions to some of the environmental issues, our planet is currently facing are provided by environmental studies.
- Early environmental awareness will prepare the youngster to make a valuable contribution to society through environmental studies.
- A sustainable production system and agriculture can both use concepts from the EVS.
