Students' Knowledge and Beliefs concerning Environmental Issues in Four Countries

Abstract

Abstract Five surveys conducted in the United States, Australia, England, and Israel on the knowledge and beliefs of ninth- and tenth-grade students on environmental issues could be compared because respondents answered similar questionnaires. Where investigated, sex and general achievement level were correlated with environmental knowledge. Students' beliefs tended to be stronger than their factual and conceptual knowledge. In Australia, England, and Israel, where students' sources of knowledge were also investigated, the mass media were the most important source. This influenced students' judgement on the seriousness of different environmental issues.