Measuring and developing ecological literacy to conserve the critically endangered Mariana Crow

Abstract

The Mariana crow (Corvus kubaryi), called Åga, is critically endangered and endemic to the Mariana Island of Rota. This study developed and implemented an avian-focused environmental education curriculum and evaluated the curriculum’s influence on attitudes and knowledge using social science research methods. Fifth and sixth grade student identification of and attitudes toward Åga were measured; students in the treatment group improved their attitudes toward and ability to identify Åga. A longer-term student and teacher training component is recommended. The approaches used in this environmental education program development, implementation, and evaluation could be applied in other global settings.