Environmentalism and Social Studies Curriculum for Sustainable Development in Nigeria

Abstract

The prevailing environmental problems in Nigeria indicate that the curricula contents of social studies is not capable of solving the problems. The paper examine the various environmental problems caused as a result of man's interaction with the environment. It looked at the serious implications of all these problems on the health, social and the natural environment. The study emphasised the inclusion of environmental topics into social studies curriculum for effective environmental awareness and participation in solving the problems as they emerge. The paper suggested that environmentalising social studies curriculum will improve and protect the quality of the natural environment through attitudinal change,ethical awareness, skills, values and behaviour consistent with sustainable development. It therefore recommends a reform in the structure and contents of Social studies in order to cater for programme that brings reality to everyday societal living of the learner by making individual acquire knowledge needed to be responsible and disciplined members of the society.