The effectiveness of using virtual reality tools in a “discovery” curriculum to develop environmental literacy and environmental participation for second-grade primary students.

The research aims to foster environmental literacy and environmental participation for second-grade primary students. The study employs a two-dimensional experimental approach, combining pre- and post-measurement methods. The research tools include the development of a list of dimensions for environmental literacy and environmental participation for the "Discover" curriculum. Additionally, a list of environmental literacy and environmental participation objectives to be integrated into the "Discover" curriculum. Content analysis was conducted on the first semester of the "Discover" curriculum, followed by the identification of suitable virtual reality tools for enhancing environmental literacy and environmental participation. An assessment test was designed to measure the acquisition of environmental literacy through the presentation of images, where students choose the correct ones. Furthermore, scales were constructed to measure students' attitudes towards environmental literacy, requiring them to indicate their agreement or disagreement based on presented images. Another scale aimed to measure environmental problem-solving skills using the same approach. A third scale assessed environmental participation, asking students to express whether they would engage in specific activities. The tests and scales were applied after ensuring their scientific validity and reliability, and the tests and scales were administered before and after the experimental intervention. Results indicated a statistically significant difference in the average scores of pre- and post-applications for the tests and scales, favoring the post-application. The research recommends the adoption of the proposed program to enhance environmental literacy and participation for second-grade students and all elementary school levels due to the effective impact observed in the experimental group.