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Environmental Education Subject Matter
In order to foster philosophical dialogue in the classroom
we offer examples of activities which seek to link the exercise
of thinking skills and reflection on values. The contents of
these activities are based on a four-fold classification: earth,
water, fire and air. This is the classification passed on to
us by ancient authors (Empedocles, 5th century BC, for example)
who viewed the cosmos as an order made up of these four primary
elements from which all other things emerge.
From the environmental perspective, we take this simple but
clear division in addressing some themes, both scientific and
ethical.
The subject matter of environmental education pertains to a realm of
social awareness and must be dealt with by the individual. Children come
to know the natural environment directly through their own experiences
and observations, as well as through the media and the attitudes and
behaviour of adults. Children are capable of showing concern and of taking
actions directed at the future with respect to an environment susceptible
to damage and destruction.
Human beings have always changed the environment. Indeed one of the tasks
that characterises human activity is that of "domesticating"
nature, considered wild and untamed. Nevertheless, these changes, which
occurred slowly over the course of thousands of years, in recent years
have accelerated at a dizzying pace, producing a negative imbalance which
is endangering human survival on Earth. This situation has led us to
think for the first time of the need to promote awareness and urgent
action on environmental problems, consequence of our interference in
our environment. Among the most serious problems are air pollution, climatic
change, the depletion of non-renewable resources, loss of biodiversity,
the destruction of the ozone layer, etc.
The environment encompasses all that forms part of our relationship with
our surroundings, both natural and cultural. In this respect, buildings,
parks, streets and anything else inherent to the urban setting form what
is often our most immediate environment.
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