Exemplar Type: COURSE
Title: Integrating Sustainability Science Into the Classroom
Grades: K-12
Discipline: Science
Submitted By: Annie Hale
Integrating Sustainability Science Into the Classroom
This course is designed and curated by the Sustainability Science Education Project at Arizona State University. Led by 2001 Nobel Laureate Dr. Lee Hartwell, this professional development class aims to cultivate the skills and strategies necessary for incorporating sustainability science topics across common PreK-12th-grade curricula, such as English Language Arts, Literacy, History, Social Studies, Science, Art, Drama, and Mathematics. Educators will have the opportunity to connect state standards to big sustainability ideas while creating tangible materials that fit individual classroom needs. The ultimate goal is to prepare PreK-12th-grade educators to advance the next generation of scientifically literate and globally minded citizens.
BENCHMARKS REPRESENTED IN THIS EXEMPLAR
Big Ideas
A healthy and sustainable future for human and other life is possible
We are all in this together: We are interdependent on each other and on the natural systems
A sustainable solution solves more than one problem at a time and minimizes the creation of new problems
The significant problems we face can’t be solved with the same thinking we used to create them. Our prior experiences with the world create cognitive frameworks (also known as mental models/maps) that inform what we can perceive. They shape our behavior and our behavior causes results. If we want to produce different results, it all begins with a change in thinking
Sustain-ability requires individual and social learning and community practice
We are all responsible for the difference we make. Everything we do and everything we don’t do makes a difference
Higher Order Thinking Skills
Anticipatory: Futures Thinking
Emergent: Creative Thinking
Emergent: Design Thinking
Complex: Critical Thinking
Complex: [Living] Systems Thinking
Mindful: Metacognition
Mindful: Questioning
Mindful: Reflective Thinking
Applied Knowledge and Actions
Inventing The Future
Cultures, Traditions and Change
The Many Ways of Knowing
System Dynamics and Change
Responsible Local and Global Citizenship
Multiple Perspectives
Dispositions
Curious
Efficacious
Imaginative
Mindful
Motivated
Open Minded
Collaborative
Ethical
Responsible
Trustworthy
Applications and Actions
Create Social Learning Communities
Engage in Dialogue
Engage in Role-Playing, Learning Journeys, Simulations & Games
Honor the specific knowledge and skills that each person and culture brings
Build from successes, Learn from mistakes, develop strategies to improve, and apply what is learned
Plan Scenarios
Teach and Learn
Design for multiple pathways, resilience and reinforcement
Design for whole systems integrity with ecological principles and physical laws in mind
Ask different questions and actively listen for the answer
Define and Re-Define Progress
Empower people and groups
Envision, strategize and plan
Evolve the rules when necessary
Facilitate a shared understanding of sustainability and regeneration
Lead by example
Relentlessly adjust to the here and now with the future in mind
Take responsibility for the difference you make
Trust local wisdom
Be inclusive
Embrace mutually beneficial rights of humanity and nature nature
Practice justice and equity for all
Take responsibility for the effect you have on future generations
Treat others with respect and dignity
Act wisely individually and collectively, with precaution and in context
Create and maintain highly functional and successful teams
Listen to one another
Serve your community