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

Conducted a secondary analysis of data from the Longitudinal Study of American Youth (J. D. Miller et al, 1991) to examine the distribution of knowledge about environmental issues related to energy and pollution in a national probability sample of approximately 2,200 12th grade students. Students' knowledge was examined across 3 variables: (1) parental education. (2) number of science classes taken, and (3) gender. Results show that parental level of education, quantity of high school science courses, and gender (in favor of male students) all were 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.