What do students know about the socio-environmental problems of water and its sustainable management? Mixed Research in Primary Education

Abstract

Water as a curricular content has always received great attention from the educational community, not only for its interest and educational value, but also for the learning difficulties detected during its teaching. The latest research reveals that students have trouble identifying where water in nature moves or where tap water comes from to their homes. This study analyzes the scientific concepts that Primary Education third cycle students have regarding the hydrological cycle and the causes of their socio-environmental problems. From a mixed research approach (QUAL → quan), the content of letters and drawings prepared by 95 students from an educational center in Malaga is analyzed. The results of this work show the challenges posed by learning the concepts related to water and their educational implications.