Can teenagers educate children concerning environmental issues?

There are several questions coming from researchers and educators referring to the most efficient approaches for developing an environmental awareness; it is difficult to document which approach can generate increased sensitivity and behavioral changes for effective environmental protection. Therefore research and discussions on the issue are demanding. This paper presents observations concerning the sensitization process for environmental issues, initiated with environmental education classes. The educational work stimulated a group of Brazilian high school students to participate in an international distance learning course and convention (Global Environmental Youth Convention) about preventive environmental management. Both the course and convention were organized by Lund University in Sweden. During the distance course the high school students constructed and executed the project work. They decided to organize course content and prepare teaching materials on environmental issues for eight year old children. The project was presented in the convention. Among the results of this educational project it was observed that a very effective attitude can be obtained from an educational approach that sought a more affective link with nature. It was also observed that teenagers can be effective teachers and motivators of younger children.