The Sustainability courses at Newton North High School will introduce students to the three pillars of sustainability: Environmental Stewardship + Equity (Social Justice) + Economic Development. The program will allow students to explore sustainability challenges ranging from local issues (i.e. public transportation, recycling) to global issues (i.e. natural disasters, immigration), while building the interdisciplinary skills necessary to propose solutions to these complex challenges.
634 Environmental Science & Sustainability ACP 12 full year 12 credits
Prerequisite: Completion of the NPS physical science and biological science graduation requirements
or department head approval.
This course aims to provide students with an experience which interweaves the three main pillars of Sustainability: Environmental Science + Equity (Social Justice) + Economic Development. Students will study the economic, societal, and political ramifications of our energy use, resource acquisition, water use, population, and climate change in the contexts of manufacturing, agriculture, and the global economy. Students can expect to engage in lab experiences, online research, discussions, presentations, writing, and field experiences. In the fourth term, students will focus on independent service learning projects in the NNHS and greater community.
653 Introduction to Sustainability no level 9, 10, 11, 12 Q 3 credits
This introductory class will largely focus on developing students’ awareness about the challenges and solutions in the field of Sustainability, the vocabulary around sustainable development, and globalization. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) will be used as a framework to introduce our students to responsible global citizenship. This course is an excellent preparation for the more advanced Sustainability courses. Students will be introduced to urban agriculture, the circular economy, waste & recycling, sustainable structures, energy solutions, and analyzing students’ own personal impact on human health and well-being. Using both the Sustainability lab and the classroom, this course will include guided seminars and hands-on projects.
654 Sustainable Communities no level 9, 10, 11, 12 Q 3 credits
Formerly: Design for Sustainable Communities
This course is designed to introduce students to the principles of environmental design. Students will develop solutions to environmental and/or sustainability challenges at Newton North High School, the City of Newton, and our greater community. Students will be asked to use the design process, starting with empathy and largely focused on the iterative design process. Using both the Sustainability lab and the classroom, this course will include guided seminars and hands-on projects. Students will learn shop / lab safety protocols, and will become familiar with basic sustainable technology.
657 Advanced Sustainable Communities ACP 10, 11, 12 Q 3 credits
658 Advanced Sustainable Communities ACP 10, 11, 12 SM 6 credits
Prerequisite: Introduction to Sustainability, Sustainable Communities and teacher recommendation.
In Advanced Sustainable Communities, students will immerse themselves in design thinking protocols to tackle local and global issues with sustainability inspired solutions. Students apply design, engineering, and consulting skills to create comprehensive solutions for challenges faced by our community. Monthly green-thematic design challenges will encourage students to build on the experience, skills, and projects covered throughout our Engineering and Sustainability courses. Students will continue to learn shop / lab safety protocols, and will become familiar with basic sustainable technology. Sustainable Communities is a 21st century classroom that offers students project-based, research driven, collaborative learning.