Environmental Science

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE : FIELD TRIP 249

1. Surveys foster comprehensive understanding of Environment structure and processes
   in their everyday operation, interaction and complexity.


2. They are extremely useful in stimulating depth of insight into vital Environment
   problems, which should be met.


3. They suggest possibilities for student participation in the affairs of the Environment.
   Such constructive participation imparts training to the pupils in democratic
   citizenship.


4. They develop awareness of human inter-dependence and of the practical necessity
   of general civic cooperation in carrying on successful individual group living.


5. Existing conditions can be critically examined and the way it is prepared for superior
   citizenship.

Scope of Environment surveys

1. Any aspect of the Environment, which has meaning for young people.


2. Past history of the locality, the social institutions, the customs, the traditions, the
   conventions, the ceremonies, the folk ways, the folk songs, and folk stories.


3. Problems of the Environment such as the problems of housing, health, sanitation,
   employment, taxes, traffic is some problems in which pupils will be interested.

Use of Environment Surveys

1. Procedure

Environment surveys can be useful only if they are conducted properly. The actual
survey should be preceded by much discussion and framing of questions, for the best results
are obtained, when the investigators have got warmed up to problems and seek answers and
solutions to questions that have stirred in their minds.

2. Teachers

They should possess definite awareness of directions and possibilities before the group
undertakes such explorations. They should spend as much time as possible in personal
observations of the Environment in order to get the feel of it.

3. The interest of the pupil

The -teacher should arouse interest by relating the proposal for a survey with factors
that touch the life of the pupils. He should see that survey has its basis in the good and bad
achievements of people. Instead of starting with statistical summaries he should start with
people.

4. Objectives preparation

(i) The purpose of the survey must be made clear.

(ii) The problem must be properly analyzed.

(iii) Practical limits to the survey should be set.

(iv) Techniques to be used for collecting data should be decided upon.

(v) Data once gathered should be verified.

(vi) Collected data should be recorded for future use.