Variables Associated With American High School Students' Knowledge of Environmental Issues Related to Energy and Pollution

The objective of this study was to analyze the distribution of knowledge about environmental issues related to energy and pollution in a national probability sample of American high school students. Parental level of education, quantity of high school science courses, and gender (in favor of male students) all were found to be significantly related to the students' levels of knowledge about environmental issues related to energy and pollution. The difference between male and female students remained even when the number of science classes taken was controlled. Educational implications of the study are discussed.