What factors are related to environmental knowledge concerning the Wadden Sea ecosystem?

A strong link exists between students' connectedness with nature and their environmental knowledge of the Wadden Sea. Subject interest in biology also significantly influences this knowledge. While school-based experiences contribute to learning, informal out-of-school activities show an even stronger correlation with environmental understanding, highlighting the potential of non-formal education. Local proximity to the Wadden Sea has minimal impact on knowledge levels. The study surveyed 251 secondary school students (average age 15.5 years) using a validated diagnostic tool, measuring factors like nature connectedness, subject interest, and varied experiences with the ecosystem.

Schmäing, T., & Grotjohann, N. (2025). What factors are related to environmental knowledge concerning the Wadden Sea ecosystem? Journal of Biological Education, 60(2), 236–248. https://doi.org/10.1080/00219266.2025.2468795