Environmental learning related to Earth System Science in primary school

In this paper results from a longitudinal study, with 28 pupils in primary school, is presented. The question asked is how pupils develop concepts in a related to the natural- and the techno sphere. The qualitative research consists of interviews, questionnaires and video-recorded sequences in the pupils’ science learning. The results were analyzed according to the Earth System Science model and the expressions were categorized according to their logical reasoning about what is happening between the spheres. The explorative study indicates the pupils’ ability reasoning about solutions and developing their ontological views. It is a question about scientific facts and values. The overall conclusion is that the pupils over time are able to connect different environmental concepts and e.g. point out how toxic substances can be spread through the air into the water and the ground. Play and learning widens the perspectives and different explanations of concepts can be created.