Development and Application of a STEAM-Based Environmental Education Programs for Elementary School Students through Analysis of Elementary, Middle, and High School Textbooks

This study aims to develop a STEAM-Based environmental education program through the analysis of elementary, middle, and high school textbooks and to verify its effectiveness by applying it to elementary school settings. As the importance of climate change and carbon neutrality increases, the need for an integrated and convergent approach to environmental education is being emphasized. The research process consisted of three stages. First, environmental and energy-related content in elementary, middle, and high school textbooks was analyzed to examine the continuity across different grade levels. Second, based on the analysis results, an environmental education program incorporating STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education was developed. Third, the developed program was applied to sixth-grade elementary school students, and its effectiveness was verified through pre- and post-surveys as well as individual interviews. The results of the study showed significant improvements in students' environmental awareness, attitudes, and behavioral changes. In particular, there was a substantial increase in students' participation and willingness to take action in solving environmental problems, along with an improved understanding of scientific concepts and social impacts. This study presents an integrated approach to effectively educating students on carbon neutrality and sustainable development within the elementary school curriculum and suggests the possibility of broader application in various educational settings in the future.