Evaluating integrated environmental education within an Ontario school board

This research examines the outcomes of high school programs in Ontario that integrate environmental and outdoor education. How successful are they at increasing students' knowledge about natural systems and providing them the tools to become empowered citizens and environmental stewards?;The research is situated in theories of effective environmental education, and the acquisition of environmental literacy. It investigates the Specialist High Skills Major The Environment program, an option available to high schools delivering the Ontario Curriculum. A case study approach was used, focusing on a particular secondary school. Mixed qualitative research methods (interviews and journal entries) were employed to investigate the role of integrated and environmental programming in teaching about the environment as seen from the perspectives of teachers and students.;The findings indicate that environmental education, as pedagogy rather than merely a curriculum component, enhances students' ability to learn about their natural surroundings, develop a connection to the environment, and provide an opportunity for holistic learning. The integrated program studied appears to be an exemplary method of achieving this. Options are suggested for further improving integrated environmental education.;Key words Environmental education, outdoor education, experiential leaning, environmental literacy.