What does it mean to be "Environmentally literate?"

A person who is Environmentally Literate is able to look at most situations and topics with an awareness and understanding of how the environment fits in.   When making decisions of their own, and evaluating the decisions of others, they're able to weigh the impact those decisions will have on the various aspects of the environment.  Being Environmentally Literate isn't just simply caring about the environment, though that's a good start.  It requires a person to be educated and informed, so their efforts aren't misplaced, and so they can lead others in preserving and protecting the environment.      

How does the Signature Program help students become Environmentally Literate? 

Our Signature program supports our efforts as a MD Green School and a USDE Green Ribbon Honoree.  

As such, there are four school-wide efforts in place on a daily basis.  At Broadneck we:

1.  Recycle

2. Reduce waste in the classroom

3. Value outdoor learning

4. Teach Environmental Overlays.  

All of our teachers lead the way as they help students feel empowered to recycle and reduce waste.  They also incorporate at least four environmental overlays each school year into their existing curriculum, so students can see how the environment is a part of everything we study.  This year especially, teachers will be looking for ways to engage their students outdoors, and this effort will be supported by the development of our Signature Outdoor Classroom.