CONT960: Teaching Environmental Science in Grades 11 and 12
Society depends on your in-depth comprehension of environmental science and acquisition of teaching skills to evolve into an effective environmental educator. This empowerment equips you to guide students in addressing urgent environmental issues and fostering positive change.
This course will provide the tools to help you develop the knowledge and critical thinking skills to tackle those challenges. You'll learn about natural resource management, pollution reduction, sustainable energy generation, creative problem-solving, and impactful teaching strategies. You'll consider the economic factors and legal frameworks used to inform policymakers and deal with environmental challenges. You'll delve into complex environmental science concepts while developing your students' scientific literacy and analytical thinking. You'll focus on Indigenous perspectives and differentiated learning strategies. You'll conclude your course by preparing an action plan to inspire the next generation of environmental scientists to take action on a cause relevant to their setting and location.
Learning Outcomes
What You Will Learn and Do
In this course, you’ll have the opportunity to
- analyze and apply key components of the BC Environmental Science 11/12 curriculum, focusing on the interconnected environmental systems, along with the creation and assessment of systems-based teaching activities
- utilize strategies to foster environmental education, action and sustainability, while addressing the impact of human activities and analyzing successful environmental initiatives through effective teaching methods
- develop inclusive learning experiences by integrating Indigenous and other perspectives to enhance students’ understanding of ecosystems and biodiversity, emphasizing complex roles, relationships and cross-curricular connections
- apply a variety of teaching philosophies to develop and implement technology-based lesson plans, focusing on the understanding and analysis of ecosystem dynamics, pollution, climate change, and their impacts on the environment and human health
- assess the impact of human practices on ecosystem sustainability, explore careers in conservation and sustainability, and analyze the role of environmental law in addressing environmental challenges
- synthesize learning around ecosystem stewardship and restoration knowledge while analyzing environmental policy through case studies and government regulations
- develop a comprehensive action plan integrating systems thinking, sustainability principles and Indigenous perspectives to address a local issue
Assessments
Module 1
Environmental Science Curriculum: Overview and Philosophy
Module 2
Promoting Environmental Education
Progress Update 1
Module 3
Diversifying Environmental Practices
Module 4
Teaching and Learning About Change in Ecosystems
Formative Assessment
Module 5
Advancing Sustainability in the School Community
Progress Update 2
Module 6
Stewardship and Restoration
Module 7
Creating an Environmental Action Plan
Summative Assessment