Teaching Environmental Literacy through Participatory Programming
Chelsea Holmes Student, MAT, Miami University, OH Advanced Inquiry Program (AIP) - Project Dragonfly jolliffcm@miamioh.edu
The five curriculum themes of 21st-century learning. These themes are ideally incorporated into curricula across all content areas.
Study.com. (2015, December 30). 21st-Century Curriculum Themes [Illustration]. Study.com. https://study.com/cimages/multimages/16/21st_1.png
What is Environmental Literacy?
The dawn of the new millennium inspired a new trend in public educational pedagogy: 21st-century learning. This blend of content knowledge, reasoning and communication skills, and experience in specific fields (i.e. literacies) has been instrumental in developing authentic, personalized learning for the modern classroom. The goal of 21st-century learning is to engage students more fully in the process of learning while also preparing them to thrive in today's global economy (Partnership for 21st Century Learning, 2019).
Environmental literacy is one of five curriculum themes that provide a "big picture" context across content areas. These themes (see image above) help students understand their place within the global community. Environmentally literate citizens should have "awareness of and concern about the environment and its associated problems;" more importantly, they should be equipped with "the knowledge, skills, and motivations to work toward solutions of current problems and preventions of new ones" (McBride et al., 2013).
The Partnership for 21st Century Learning has identified four learning standards that should be addressed by curricula or programming about environmental literacy:
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the environment and the circumstances and conditions affecting it, particularly as it relates to air, climate, land, food, energy, water, and ecosystems.
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of society’s impact on the natural world (e.g. population growth, population development, resource consumption rate, etc.)
Investigate and analyze environmental issues, and make accurate conclusions about effective solutions.
Take individual and collective action towards addressing environmental challenges (e.g. participating in global actions, designing solutions that inspire action on environmental issues).
Engaging Students in Environmental Literacy
Why participatory programming?
Children need to be taught to research, analyze, and evaluate environmental concerns responsibly in order to effectively participate (Hart, 1997).
"Programs that include hands-on materials give [participants] a pathway to help them visualize how our techniques could expand out into the real world" (Eila Ahonen-Miller, Museum Educator and Lab Coordinator, Dayton Society of Natural History).
"When [students] have the knowledge, they are able to take action" (Courtney Reed, Manager of School Programs, Dayton Society of Natural History).
How does technology fit into environmental literacy?
"Technology [is used] to visually represent real data sets for Earth and life sciences to show how different factors influence each other" (Eila Ahonen-Miller, Museum Educator and Lab Coordinator, Dayton Society of Natural History).
"[Technology fits in by] providing knowledge and relating back to human impact and actions that can be used to find solutions" (Jordan Utterback, Public Programs Manager, Dayton Society of Natural History).
Are you a classroom educator or administrator? We want to hear from classroom experts!
How much does your curriculum prioritize environmental literacy? Are experiential learning trips a keystone in your course, or are you aching for better ways to bring relevant, personalized learning into your classroom? Click the button below to take our (anonymous) survey!
Authentic and Accessible Learning for All!
So where to begin? How can YOU incorporate more programming to teach about environmental literacy?
We know how overwhelming it can be to organize an off-campus field trip experience -- that's why we want to help bring the experts TO YOU! With just a basic internet connection, you can access authentic and relevant participatory learning from zoos, museums, parks, and nature centers around the globe!
The following organizations offer FREE environmental literacy programming for K - 12 students!
With more than 200 content providers from 112 countries across the globe, CILC is the premier one-stop website for live, interactive learning experiences.
2,300 programs that cover STEM, arts, culture, history, communication, and career education standards.
Interactive learning is facilitated in real-time from museums, zoos, science centers, performing arts centers, and more!
Participants can see, hear, and interact with the experts from the comfort of their own classrooms!
Programs are expertly evaluated to ensure high-quality experiences for all!
Members also gain access to the Collaboration Space, where educators can come together to share resources for additional participatory experiences.
The Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute is committed to providing FREE engaging and educational experiences with more than 360 species.
Accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums for high-quality animal care and conservation education.
10 virtual field trips and virtual public programs available for FREE!
Suitable for all ages K - 12.
Programs are LIVE and participatory.
Aligned with Next Generation Science Standards for life sciences.\
Zoo webinars occur each month, with new topics each session!
National Zoo programming is FREE with prior registration!
The Smithsonian Museum of Natural History is dedicated to inspiring a better understanding of the natural world and humankind's place in it.
9 virtual field trips available for FREE!
Suitable for all ages K - 12
Programs are LIVE and participatory; can be self-guided OR live with museum educators.
Smithsonian programming is FREE with prior registration!
Local Environmental Literacy Programming
Want to see some environmental literacy in action? We've collected some in-person and virtual/distance programs from institutions around Dayton, Ohio that teach the concepts of environmental literacy!
Click the button below to see our database of museums, parks, nature centers, and more!
