Science is a process of investigation into the natural world and the knowledge generated through that process. It refers to the practices or skills employed by the scientist and students in the process of learning of science, those skills are basic and integrated. The basic skills such as observation, classification, communication, measurement, prediction and inference are the foundation for critical thinking, logical reasoning, problem solving, creativity, scientific attitude, interest and curiosity. The various innovations in science teaching stress not only the content of science, but more importantly the process skills of science. It is possible to easily forget science content learnt but process skills tend to remain with many individuals for a relatively longer period. It is in interaction with the environment that the child constructs knowledge and skills; also our environment is a blessing for us, as it provides basic necessities of life. The environment has only a certain amount of air, water, soil, raw material, if we use all of them there will be none left for the future generation.
Today every component of the environment is under attack because of man's meddling with nature. The environmental problems that we face are serious, they are numerous and multifaceted. Rapidly growing population, deforestation, soil erosion, degradation of marine resources urbanization, changing agriculture, industrial and water resource management, increasing use of pesticides and fossil fuels have all resulted in a perceptible deterioration in the quality of environment and attendant adverse health consequences. The degradation of our environment has to be arrested immediately otherwise it would have long term impact on the quality of life. Hence, making children sensitive to the environment and the need for its protection is important.
Sustainable Development, Environmental Sustainability, Science Process Skills, Natural resources, Climatic change
