Children\u27s literature and environmental issues: Heart over mind?

This article describes a project conducted by a classroom teacher to examine the effects of children\u27s literature on students\u27 existing attitudes and beliefs toward environmental issues. Using There\u27s an Owl in the Shower by Jean Craighead George as an organizer, two sixth grade classes reexamined their existing beliefs about endangered species. The purpose of using the book as part of the instructional strategy was not to influence student beliefs and attitudes one way or another, but to serve as a vehicle for getting students to critically view the issue of animal\u27s vs. people\u27s rights. The results from this classroom activity seem to suggest that students rely more on their feelings than their knowledge of science concepts in assessing the issue. This paper will outline instructional procedures used in the unit, describe assessment procedures and provide additional insight into using children\u27s literature in science classes