How Children Solve Environmental Problems
Using computer simulations to investigate systems thinking
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 12525858 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Noel Sheehy (corresponding author), N P Sheehy, J W Wylie, Judith Wylie (0000-0001-5599-7141), Chris Mcguinne (0000-0002-0059-9856), C McGuinness, Gerry Orchard |
| Year | 2000 |
| Volume | 6 |
| Issue | 2 |
| Pages | 109-126 |
| Publication date | 2000-05-01 |
| Open Access | No |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Environmental Education Research (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1350-4622 • E-ISSN: 1469-5871 |
| Publisher | Taylor & Francis (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1080/713664675 |
| OpenAlex | W2047038360 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 6 |
| References cited | 12 |
Two computer simulations were developed and used to investigate systems thinking and environmental problem solving in children. Ninety-two primary school children (aged 8 years and 11 years) interacted with computer simulation of either a deforestation problem or a water depletion problem. The children's task was to manipulate the simulation thereby enabling it to run for as long as possible before resources—water or trees—were exhausted. This could be achieved via a number of strategies and their use by the two groups of children was compared. Through efficient use of resources and recycling strategies, the older children outperformed the younger children. Magical thinking was more prevalent among the 8-year-olds. The results also suggest that seemingly isomorphic environmental problems may not be interpreted as such
Computational Thinking · Deforestation (computer science · Developmental psychology · Environmental education · Mathematics education · Pedagogy · Task (project management · Complex Systems and Decision Making · Computer Science · Engineering · Environmental Education and Sustainability · Psychology
Theoretical diversity and inclusivity in science and environmental education research
Learning for resilience’ as the climate changes
Development of decision‐making skills and environmental concern through computer‐based, scaffolded learning activities
ICT tools in environmental education
Recycling, crafting and learning – an empirical analysis of how students learn with garments and textile refuse in a school remake project
Dynamics of school environmental education policy through systems thinking
| Citations per year | 0.35 |
|---|---|
| Citation span | 2009 - 2025 (17) |
| Highly cited | No |