The impact and role of museum-based environmental education on the environmental attitudes of primary school students

This study investigates the impact of a museum-based environmental education programme (MEEP) on the environmental attitudes of fourth-grade students in Türkiye during the 2025–26 academic year. Using a mixed-methods design, the research integrated qualitative data to explain quantitative results obtained from 33 students. Quantitative data were collected via the Environmental Attitude Scale, and reliability was confirmed with Cronbach’s alpha coefficients (α = .79 and α = .82). Due to the non-normal distribution, the Wilcoxon signed-rank test was utilised for analysis, while qualitative data were processed through content analysis. The results showed statistically significant improvements in students’ environmental attitudes across all dimensions (p < .05). Qualitative findings suggest these changes were driven by students’ ability to compare environmental contexts, develop empathy, and expand awareness to their social environments. Ultimately, the study concludes that museum-based learning, when supported by appropriate pedagogical structuring, offers a powerful, multidimensional platform for effective environmental education.