Teacher Training: An Introduction to Sustainability
Categories: COURSES AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Teacher Training: An Introduction to Sustainability
Description
Do you know how to teach the 3 Es of sustainability? This introductory course for teachers explores what it means to live and learn sustainably in today’s interconnected world. Educators will discover how environmental, social, and economic systems work together to shape the communities we live in and the choices we make every day. Through lectures, virtual projects, discussions, and real-world challenges, participants will examine topics such as resource conservation, climate awareness, equity, and responsible consumption. The course encourages critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity, empowering teachers to become thoughtful global citizens who can envision and build a more sustainable future. It also equips teachers with practical strategies and classroom tools to help students understand sustainability concepts and apply them in meaningful, age-appropriate ways.
Student Learning Objectives (SLOs):
In Unit 1: The Living World, students will learn how living and nonliving things work together to create balanced ecosystems. They’ll investigate the roles of plants, animals, and humans within the web of life, discovering how small changes can affect entire systems. Through guided exploration, students will:
Identify the characteristics and needs of living organisms.
Explain the importance of biodiversity and interdependence.
Analyze how environmental changes impact ecosystems and species survival.
Develop observation and critical-thinking skills through inquiry-based activities.
Reflect on personal actions that help protect and support the living world.
What's Included?
Unit 1 Powerpoint
Lessons Overview:
Exploring the meaning and importance of living within environmental, social, and economic balance.
Understanding how interconnected systems support sustainable communities.
Examining how cause and effect shape global and local sustainability challenges.
Recognizing equity, culture, and inclusion as essential to sustainable solutions.
Investigating how everyday actions impact natural resources, waste, and climate.
Encouraging creative, critical, and collaborative thinking for real-world change.
Integrating sustainability themes across subjects and designing meaningful student projects.
Building student agency, reflection, and leadership for a sustainable future.