Report on Environmental Education in K-6 School: 2020 Initiative

This report provides a comprehensive overview of environmental education, focusing on its importance and application within a K-6 school setting. The executive summary highlights the significance of environmental awareness and sustainability. The report delves into key concepts and themes, including ecological literacy, levels of being, cycles, complex systems, population growth, ecological and socially sustainable development, knowledge, and sacredness. It also explores the concept of ecological literacy, its benefits and limitations, and articulates strategies for fostering it among students. Furthermore, the report details various interactive and learner-centered teaching and learning strategies, such as activity-based and arts-based approaches, to enhance the educational experience. The report aims to guide educators in implementing effective environmental education practices within the classroom, promoting a deeper understanding of environmental issues and encouraging responsible behavior among young learners. The report concludes with a discussion of school philosophy and its role in environmental education.

Report

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Study of environment is very important because it creates awareness among people about
their natural surroundings and ways by which it can be protected from any biggest disaster. By
getting knowledge about environment, everyone will show their concern towards surroundings
and will not harm to it by their action that will help the people to live their lives effectively and
efficiently. In 2020, being a part of environmental sustainability leadership team in K-6 school,
different sustainability ideas, initiatives and practices will be provided to the students so that they
can take corrective action for protecting the natural resources. There are various kinds of
philosophies which are used by this school for clearing the doubts of learners in an effective and
efficient manner.

Table of Contents
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY.............................................................................................................2
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
TASK ..............................................................................................................................................1
Key concepts and themes related to environmental education ..................................................1
Concept of ecological literacy and articulate ...........................................................................3
Benefits and limitations of becoming ecoliterate........................................................................4
Interactive and learner centred teaching and learning strategies.................................................5
Concept of school philosophy ....................................................................................................8
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................9
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................10

INTRODUCTION
Environment education is very important in today global surrounding because it helps the
people to take corrective action for protecting this so that everyone can live their lives effectively
and efficiently. It is a process by which individuals become able to know about environmental
related issues as well as about corrective action by which it can be protected easily and
effectively (Melville, 2010). This education is very beneficial for every students because it
creates opportunities for them to become engaged in real world issues. This present report is
based on a theme that is to investigate the effectiveness of environment of education on the
learning experience of children and young people. This report will state about various concepts
and themes related to environmental education and how they can be integrated into learning
experiences for children and young people. Various interactive and learner centred teaching and
learning strategies will also be defined under this study.
TASK
Key concepts and themes related to environmental education
At present time, educators have collected various kinds of resources or material by which
information regarding environment can be provided to the students easily and effectively. They
choose that material as per culture and ecosystems of the earth. There are some basic concepts
which are similar and applicable at all places so it is necessary that teacher should communicate
these concepts easily and properly so that desired outcome can be obtained. There are given
some concepts which are described hereunder-
Levels of being- As per this concept, beings are divided into three parts that are human,
biological and physical who has to follow all rules and regulations. According to this level, there
are various types of qualities which should be possessed by human, biological etc. But only
human beings possess these qualities which provides greater responsibility to them to takecare of
surroundings (Dincer and Rosen, 2012). There are various levels which are operating at different
time scales by which management can not be done effectively.
Cycle- There are some natural resources which are necessary for the life of people like
water, carbon, oxygen etc. so it should be utilized effectively. These material will pass through
biogeochemical cycle which will help in maintaining purity and availability in proper amount for
living things.
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Complex systems- As per this concept, systems are more than sum of their parts that are
dominated by their interrelationships and their purpose. In this, systems are arranged into
hierarchical manner which means that everything are interrelated with each other but not equally
strongly.
Population growth and carrying capacity- As per this concept, living populations grow
exponentially when they are able to develop equally and effectively. Carrying capacity can be
defined as a process by which rate of production of any renewable resources can be limited. To
restore the carrying capacity is more difficult that preservation.
Ecological sustainable development- On the earth, there are various kinds of resources
are available by which human wealth and economic development is derived. With the help of
available material, needs or wants of human and living beings can be satisfied easily and
effectively (Pearce, Barbier and Markandya, 2013). It can only be possible when it will be
preserved appropriately and effectively. There are basic two reasons by which environmental
related issues are arises that are poverty and affluence. As per this concept, economic
development and environmental care is more important and necessary so that living creatures can
live their lives effectively and smoothly.
Socially sustainable development- As per this framework, development can be done
through participation, education and empowerment of people. It should be done in an appropriate
manner so that with the growth of environment, culture, history and social system can also be
improved. It includes continuous balancing of opposites and breaking down of barriers and
separations between freedom and order, groups and individuals, work and play, settlement and
nature.
Knowledge and uncertainty- As per this concept, there is no one who have full
knowledge about the world. In this situation, decisions are taken under uncertainty condition
which requires lots of care and attention so that desired result can be obtained within stipulated
period of time. Under uncertainty condition, methods which are going to adopt, should be
assessed carefully so that positive result can be obtained effectively and smoothly. Through this,
it is possible to complement rational analysis by non-rational or super-rational analysis by
intuition, insight etc.
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Sacredness- This framework states that nature is a valuable asset for people because it
creates value to humans beings. It is not necessary that there should be proper relation between
human beings and environment.
Above mentioned concepts are described in terms of adults not children. From above
discussion, it can be said that how these frameworks are important for an environment because it
provides proper protection to surroundings so that it will create proper value for the people who
are living in the society (Egan, 2011).
Concept of ecological literacy and articulate
Ecological literacy is a concept by which natural systems can be understood easily and
effectively that makes life on earth possible. If an individual is ecoliterate that means he is able
to understand the principles of organisation of ecological communities and will take corrective
action for the development of sustainable human communities.
In a society, there are large number of people if they have knowledge of ecological
literacy then society will be sustainable that means they will not harm to the natural surroundings
and will also take corrective action for protecting the environment. This concept is very
important inn today environment because it creates a foundation for an integrated approach by
which all environmental problems can be resolved easily and effectively.
In order to improve learning process, it is required that this concept should use science of
systems and ecology so that students can become concerned towards natural resources. In today
global warming surroundings, it is necessary that system thinking should be present so that
complex interdependence of ecological system, social system etc. can be understood easily and
effectively (Epstein and Buhovac, 2014).
From a survey, it came to know that in coming years, lives of people will be depend on
ecological literacy so it is necessary that schools should provide proper knowledge about
principles of ecology to their students so that they can live their lives accordingly and effectively.
So it is cleared that to have knowledge about ecoliteracy is the most important skills for
politicians, business leaders as well for professionals who are employed in colleges, schools.
With the help of education of ecoliteracy, learners become more protective towards their
surroundings as well takes proper action for protecting it which helps in their survival over the
time. In order to develop ecoliteracy among students, teachers can use following given ways that
are mentioned below-
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 Develop empathy for all forms of life- This method motivates to the learners to think
about others life rather than of themselves. They should think about the humans being
members of web of life. So by using this way, students will become able to make strong
relation with others (Dangelico and Pujari, 2010). Embrace sustainability as a community practice- This concept occurs when it came to
know that organisms so not exist in isolation. Status of relationship will help in knowing
that living community will be able to survive and thrive.
 Make invisible into visible- This method helps in evaluating the effect of human
behaviour on other people and environment.
Benefits and limitations of becoming ecoliterate
Ecoliterate can be defined as that person who has knowledge about environment and has
ability to understand the interactions between human systems- transportations, natural systems,
energy etc. These individuals play an important role in protecting the environment by providing
information to the people. To become a ecoliterate has various kinds of benefits and limitations
that are described below-
Benefits- This person provides various kinds of advantages to the society as well as to the
students that are described below-
 He creates awareness among people regarding environment so that they can become
concerned towards it.
 He also explains different ways to individuals so that environment can be protected easily
and effectively.
 With the help of this person, proper knowledge or information can be provided to the
people by which they will be able to take corrective action for providing safety to the
surroundings as well they will try to destroy the environment because they will be able to
understand the value of natural resources (Moldan, Janoušková and Hák, 2012).
 By becoming a ecoliterate, person can gain respect and goodwill in the market.
 He can also become favourite of government because top authority of nation will take
care of that individual who is taking initiative for the protection of natural resources.
Limitations- Along with having benefits, there are also some limitations which are
described below-
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 He has huge responsibility like to provide information to the people so that they can
become aware towards environment.
 Sometime, ecoliterate has to face many criticism of people etc. because in case of
mishappening, people blames them.
Interactive and learner centred teaching and learning strategies
There are various kind of strategies which can be adopted by a teacher in 2020 for
providing knowledge and information to their students in an effective and successful manner.
With the help of this tactics, sustainable perspectives can be achieved easily and effectively that
are described hereunder- Activity based strategies- In this tactics, information is provided by educator by engaging
students in individual or group activities such as product creation, project planning etc.
which will create opportunity for students. It includes following given strategies-
◦ Debate- It is a activity based tactic in which opposing party will keep their views in
front of judge and audience. It is like a oral presentation.
◦ Field trip- In this strategy, teachers, students and volunteers go to the outside of
boundary of schools for learning new things by doing experiments.
◦ Panel discussion- Educator can also provide information through discussion of panel.
Here group of people will discuss on a topic before audience by following a
predetermined format. In this, every individual will present their viewpoints and
statements and at last will reach to final judgement.
◦ Simulation- In this, a dummy environment will be created which will be matched
with real situation. It may include role playing, case study, virtual software
applications etc. Arts based strategies- In this kind of strategy, teacher provides information to their
students through drama, dance, music and visual forms. These tactic provides help to the
learners to integrate physically and mentally so that they can become aware from the
actual situation of the environment. There are some tools which are used under this
method-
◦ Ceremony- Under this technique, historical and social traditions are showed in an
attractive and stylish presentation so that no one get bored and desired outcome can
be obtained.
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◦ Choral reading- Under this, message will be delivered orally by small and large
group in order to interpret meaning, explore sounds and rhythms (Elliot, 2011).
◦ Choreography- Under this, basic steps of dance like shape, time, energy will be
planned and arranged into a complete dance formation.
◦ Docudrama- In this, historical events and biographical details are dramatized into one
documentary so that correct message can be delivered and students can learn things
into right manner.
◦ Game- Under this, a game will be played in which unsolved issues will be shown into
dramatic manner to the audience so that they can aware from the current situation of
environment. Cooperative strategies- Under this study, teacher will divide the class into groups and
will assign a task to them so that they can carry out that work in specific way. Under this,
following given techniques are used-
◦ Buddy system- The buddy system is a cooperative strategy whereby students within a
class, between classes, across a school, or between countries are linked in mentoring
relationships for peer/cross -age support during a number of curriculum or co-
curricular activities.
◦ Collaborative teaching- Under this tactic, teachers share their skills or knowledge
and experience among learners so that they can learn things in right way. It will help
in doing planning, delivery, implementation and evaluation of programs (Orlitzky,
Siegel and Waldman, 2011).
◦ Interview- Here, one person will interact with other one so that their personal
information or their views can be collected. In this, interviewer will be that person
who will have knowledge and expertise.
◦ Discussion- Under this, one student will interact with other one (teachers, peers
group) on a selected topic so that new ideas, articulate thoughts can be explored
easily and effectively.
◦ Mentoring- In this, experienced or specialist person gives advice or training to their
students so that they can identify various growth opportunities by identifying new
ideas, taking risk etc.
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◦ Peer practice- In this, team will be formed in which members will help each other to
review, drill and rehearse to evaluate knowledge. Direct instruction stratifies- It is the best strategy under which teacher gives their
personal attention to their students on a regular basis. If they are lacking in any area then
it guides to them so that they will get success in their future (Hoekstra and
Wiedmann,2014). Under this techniques, various ways are adopted for sharing
information that are given below-
◦ Advance organiser- In this, teacher supports to their students by structuring,
outlining, charting or framing its elements, ideas or steps.
◦ Book talk- In this, information is shared verbally or through fictional text.
◦ Conferencing- In this, group of teachers, students, parents meets with each other for
facilitating new learning for a variety of objectives such as to support participants,
discuss work, invite response etc.
◦ Demonstration- Under this, instructor frames a process, represents their work
visually so that needs or wants of learners can be satisfied.
◦ Feedback- Here under, students will give their feedbacks on their progress report so
that weak area can be improved by teacher by taking corrective action.
◦ Guest speaker- In most of the colleges and schools, outsider is called so that they can
share their journey and experiences among students. If learners will have any query
then that will be resolved by speaker so that they can focus on their career. ICT based strategies- Under this strategy, information and knowledge is provided to the
students by using innovated information and communication technologies. Here
electronic data is used to create, modify and transmit information. In this, following given
methods can be used by a teacher that are described hereunder-
◦ Blog- In this, individual maintains their own websites for general or specific people
so that they can get particular information in correct period of time.
◦ Computer aided design- In this, computer technology will be used for designing,
creating and simulating of projects before undertaking that.
◦ Computer assisted instructions- Under this, computer technology provides
instructions individually and feedbacks for learning new skills, knowledge etc.
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◦ Database applications- With the help of this application, data can be categorized,
sorted and stored easily and effectively by which information can be organized,
manipulated and retrieved whenever required (Foley and et. al., 2011).
◦ Graphic applications- Under this application, various kinds of paintings, photos,
drawing software are used by which students can learn things effectively and
successfully. Independent learning strategies- Under this method, students' ability to take
responsibilities is increased so that they cam learn things in right and appropriate manner.
Here teacher can used following given methods that are described hereunder-
◦ Homework- In this, tutor assigns a task to their students which have to be completed
by going their homes or any other place outside the classrooms. It may be formal and
informal in nature.
◦ Independent reading- In this, students read only that material which they want to
read. It motivates to the people to read things in an informal manner. Inquiry based strategies- In this, students are engaged into any kind of research activities
or investigation process so that they can learn things by doing experiments. It involves
various strategy that are described below-
◦ Cognitive skills model- In this, students evaluate their skills and habit of minds so
that their thinking ability can be improved easily and effectively and they can get
success in their career (Welford, 2013).
◦ Computation- In this, learners use different visual and technological tools and
methods so that they can evaluate their mathematical ideas and solution for resolving
any specific issues.
Concept of school philosophy
A school is a large organisation where exists various kinds of departments and divisions
so that its operation can be carried out easily and effectively. A school should undertake that
projects which will help in developing learning resources for the students so that they can learn
things easily and effectively and can get success in their future. Philosophy of school represents
the answers of questions so that specified objectives can be attained within specified period of
time.
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By following this philosophy, I stared a school which name is Butte Senior Secondary
school. It is situated in 173 Auckland Street which is a great place because mostly target market
is residing here (Ahmad and et. al., 2011). I have started this venture because of following given
statements that are described below-
Vision statement- This school wants to develop outstanding teaching and learning by
getting positive response from the people. We provides academic, sports and personal
development related strategies so that they can reach to the peak of success. In simple terms, our
aim to provide value or outstanding services to the students so that they can get success in their
career. We also want to make place in the heart of community, striving for excellence and
enabling students to get their highest potential in every area of their career.
CONCLUSION
From the above discussion, it can be said that environment study is very important in
today global warming surroundings. By providing knowledge to the people, students become
more aware towards society and take corrective action for protecting the natural resources so that
everyone can live their lives effectively and efficiently. So it is necessary that every schools
should adopt some specific courses related to environment so that everyone will help in
protecting the natural resources and will take care of that so that people of society can survive
effectively. There are various ways by which information can be shared among students like ICT
based strategy, interview, panel discussion etc. by which students can get information in an
effective and appropriate manner that helps them to get success in their future.
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REFERENCES
Books and journals
Ahmad and et. al., (2011). Microalgae as a sustainable energy source for biodiesel production: a
review. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews. 15(1). 584-593.
Dangelico, R. M., & Pujari, D. (2010). Mainstreaming green product innovation: Why and how
companies integrate environmental sustainability. Journal of Business Ethics. 95(3).
471-486.
Dincer, I., & Rosen, M. A. (2012). Exergy: energy, environment and sustainable development.
Newnes.
Egan, M. (2011). The water footprint assessment manual. Setting the global standard.
Elliot, S. (2011). Transdisciplinary perspectives on environmental sustainability: a resource base
and framework for IT-enabled business transformation. Mis quarterly. 35(1). 197-236.
Epstein, M. J., & Buhovac, A. R. (2014). Making sustainability work: Best practices in
managing and measuring corporate social, environmental, and economic impacts.
Berrett-Koehler Publishers.
Foley and et. al., (2011). Solutions for a cultivated planet. Nature. 478(7369). 337-342.
Hoekstra, A. Y., & Wiedmann, T. O. (2014). Humanity’s unsustainable environmental footprint.
Science. 344(6188). 1114-1117.
Malhotra, A., Melville, N., & Watson, R. T. (2013). Spurring impactful research on information
systems for environmental sustainability. Management Information Systems Quarterly.
37(4). 1265-1274.
Melville, N. P. (2010). Information systems innovation for environmental sustainability. MIS
quarterly. 34(1). 1-21.
Moldan, B., Janoušková, S., & Hák, T. (2012). How to understand and measure environmental
sustainability: Indicators and targets. Ecological Indicators. 17. 4-13.
Orlitzky, M., Siegel, D. S., & Waldman, D. A. (2011). Strategic corporate social responsibility
and environmental sustainability. Business & society. 50(1). 6-27.
Pearce, D., Barbier, E., & Markandya, A. (2013). Sustainable development: economics and
environment in the Third World. Routledge.
Swyngedouw, E. (2010). Impossible sustainability and the post-political condition. In Making
strategies in spatial planning (pp. 185-205). Springer Netherlands.
Welford, R. (2013). Hijacking environmentalism: Corporate responses to sustainable
development. Routledge.
Online
The Importance of Improving Ecological Literacy. 2017. [Online]. Available through:
<http://www.utne.com/environment/ecological-literacy-ze0z1301zgar>. [Accessed on
5th October 2017].
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