Should all secondary school students complete a two-week compulsory class on protecting the

environment during their summer vacation? Environmental education is a process that allows
individuals to explore environmental issues, engage in problem solving, and take action to improve the
environment. Hence, all secondary students should be required to complete classes on protecting the
environment because environmental education promotes critical and creative thinking skills, teaches
kids to be responsible and instills passion for the environment.

Firstly, environmental education promotes critical and creative thinking skills. Environmental education
teaches children new and important ways of thinking. Children’s critical and creative thinking skills will
improve since they will be required to think of ways to recycle and upcycle used products like bottles,
newspapers, cardboard etc. These products can later be sold and can be a valuable source of income
and can introduce students to the world of work.

Next, environmental education can have positive effects on children’s health. In environmental classes,
education is primarily conducted outdoors. Spending time with nature can have profound impacts on
children’s mental health. Research done by the WHO has shown that children who spend at least an
hour per day with nature are ten times more likely to have reduced stress level and higher academic
performances.

Lastly, Environmental education teaches children to be responsible for their actions. Children are the
future of the world. So, isn't it logical that we teach the “future” how to take responsibility for the
environment? Do you want to live in a world where gas masks are worn just to take a walk? Didn't think
so.

In conclusion, environmental education promotes critical and creative thinking skills, it teaches kids to
be responsible and instills passion for the environment which is why all secondary school students
should be required to take Environmental education classes.