Specially Protected Natural Areas as a Means of Forming the Ecological Culture of learners

Abstract

Natural and territorial complexes, including specially protected objects, are important in the formation of ecological culture of the younger generation. Samara oblast (European part of Russia) has a unique system of specially protected natural territories with various characteristics of vegetation, fauna, landscapes. This provides acquaintance of learners with various ecosystems in the territory available for visiting. In order to increase the effectiveness of the process of forming environmental culture it is recommended to use a practice-oriented approach in environmental education: organization and carrying out environmental actions, expeditions, excursions, environmental trails, as well as research, project, labor, environmental protection and volunteer activities. We have developed an algorithm for conducting educational and research activities for schoolchildren and research activities for students to study the current state of specially protected natural areas.