The impact of an environmental education program on third graders' knowledge, attitudes and behavioral intentions

The purpose of this study was to measure whether an after-school environmental education program based on modified Project Wild materials, positively impacted third graders environmental knowledge, attitudes and behavioral intentions. Eight lesson plans were developed, piloted and re-designed over a one year period and then delivered to third graders for a total of eight weeks in a fall semester. The lessons included units on water, air, land, recycling, insects, fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals. A pre-post test retrospective questionnaire was developed to determine changes in the participant's knowledge, attitudes and behavioral intentions as a result of participating in the program. Results indicate positive shifts in knowledge and changes in environmental attitudes and behavioral intentions. Recommendations were also made for future studies.