A comparative look at informal science education and environmental education in Bengkulu province, Indonesia and North Carolina, USA

Abstract

The purpose of this chapter is to describe the state of informal science education and environmental education in a developing country, Indonesia, and to compare opportunities for informal science education in Bengkulu Province, Sumatra, Indonesia with opportunities for informal science education in North Carolina (NC), United States of America (USA, US). We describe informal science education as well as provide information about environmental education and formal science education in both countries. The chapter includes an overview of pressing environmental issues in each locale. We conclude the chapter with suggestions about how to develop and enhance informal science education opportunities in Bengkulu and in NC. Natural resource conservation education for children and adults, either through formal or informal education, is not well developed in Bengkulu. Formal science education opportunities have not utilized the natural surroundings as a source of learning; therefore, most students are unfamiliar with their natural environment. Additionally, opportunities for direct natural experiences through extracurricular activities are limited. Informal nature groups, which are common in the USA and Europe, such as boy and girl scouts, birding groups and junior park ranger opportunities, are not generally available in Bengkulu. While the Indonesian government has embraced the concept of ‘teaching green,’ this has not yet become best practice, especially in Bengkulu where this concept is still unfamiliar to most teachers and students. Generally in Indonesia, there is more focus on creating new markets in industrialized countries for raw products from Indonesia, and few people are attending to concerns about the diminishing natural resources in the Province. Informal science education could rally the Indonesian people to take appropriate action before their natural resources are depleted or severely impacted.