A Proposal to Integrate the Management of Electronic Waste Into the Curriculum of Primary Schools.
Thelma De Jager 1 *
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1 Tshwane University of Technology* Corresponding Author

Abstract

Background:
Today’s children are growing up in an environmentally damaged and technology orientated world. Electronic waste (e-waste) has been identified as the fastest growing waste tributary in the world.

Materials and methods:
The qualitative research approach was followed to investigate participants’ perspectives and experiences on the implementation of environmental sustainable curricula as a compulsory subject for students of Grades four to seven. Education specialists (n= 18), Grades four to seven teachers (n=20) of five primary schools, curriculum specialists (n=8) and technology specialists (n=6) of various institutions in South Africa were randomly selected to participate in the research study. .

Results:
Educating Grade four (nine years old) students on how to handle e-waste could have a major impact on maintaining the environment. Proposed curricula for a compulsory subject based on environmentally sustainability for Grades four to seven were compiled. These curricula should emphasise the development of students’ practical skills that will enable them to handle e-waste.

Conclusions:
Young learners should be equipped with the values, attitudes, knowledge and skills needed on how to manage e-waste and secure a healthy and a sustainable future for all. The qualitative study proposed curricula for a subject on environmentally sustainability (Grades four to seven).

License

This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Article Type: Research Article

EURASIA J Math Sci Tech Ed, 2015, Volume 11, Issue 3, 443-454

https://doi.org/10.12973/eurasia.2015.1340a

Publication date: 26 Apr 2015

Article Views: 2905

Article Downloads: 1200

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