This article outlines the benefits of developing a program considering environmental education in which children are engaged in learning opportunities that connect to their lives and interests. The authors contend that reform efforts generally focus on the application of content knowledge by using higher order thinking skills and encourage connections to be made with the world beyond the classroom. The article includes examples which highlight that environmental literacy is particularly appropriate for emphasizing the world beyond the classroom, for developing depth of understanding and content knowledge, and opportunities to use higher order thinking skills
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