ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES IN PRIMARY EDUCATION- SCIENTIFIC FOUNDATIONS AND PEDAGOGICAL APPROACHES

This article examines the scientific and pedagogical foundations of teaching Environmental Studies in primary education. It highlights the importance of introducing children to nature through experiential learning, inquiry-based methods, interdisciplinary integration, and the development of ecological awareness from an early age. The study discusses age-appropriate strategies for fostering environmental literacy, critical thinking, and responsible behavior toward natural resources. Emphasis is placed on observation, experimentation, field activities, and the integration of digital technologies to enhance students’ understanding of natural phenomena. The article concludes that effective environmental education at the primary level plays a crucial role in shaping environmentally responsible and scientifically literate individuals.