| Little research has been conducted on student impressions of conservation photographs, or if viewing photographs can motivate students to environmental action. This study examined responses of sixth-graders using a qualitative grounded theory-based written questionnaire. Students examined six conservation photographs, wrote their impressions of the photographs, and answered if the photographs prompted them to action. Significant response themes included descriptions of nature, thoughts on society and community, and creating narratives. Significant responses associated with action were helping animals, going outside, and helping the environment. Findings of this study indicated respondents were potentially motivated to environmental action after viewing conservation photographs. This study contributes to understanding the impact conservation photographs can have on students and connections between goals of conservation photography and environmental education. Results of this study could benefit educators in using conservation photographs in the classroom as tools for connecting students to the environment, possibly inspiring them to environmental action. |
