Teaching Towards Green Schools: Transforming K-12 Education Through Sustainable Practices

Description

https://www.routledge.com/9780367759070 This engaging and timely book showcases practical ways that PreK-12 teachers and school leaders can create and implement sustainability-focused projects and practices in their classrooms and schools, helping promote a healthy, sustainable environment and curriculum for students and leading the way towards becoming a green school. Sharing real-world case studies and detailed walk-throughs of sustainable schools in action - from Madison, Alabama, to Bali, Indonesia - author Linda H. Plevyak lays out the benefits, principles and practices of creating a sustainable school from beginner classroom projects like creating a garden, recycling and composting to more complex and school-wide initiatives like energy audits, creating an environmental management system, engaging with policy and building and leveraging community partnerships. Plevyak highlights sustainable practices that can be developed with little to no budget and focuses on those that support the development of critical thinking skills, promote project-based learning and consider the environment as a learning tool, incorporating sustainability as a natural progression of the learning process. The book outlines extensive resources teachers and schools can use to embed sustainability in their programs and curriculum, offering teachers, school leaders and policy makers the tools they need to provide this generation of students with the knowledge and skills to create a more sustainable world. Cover Half Title Series Title Copyright Dedication Contents List of Illustrations Meet the Author Preface Acknowledgments 1 Introduction to Green Schools Vignette Chapter Objectives Green School Movement The Emergence of Green Schools Connection to Environmental Education and Sustainability Green Schools and the Organizations That Influence and Support Them Eco-Schools Center for Green Schools Green Schools Alliance Green Schools Initiative Green Schools National Network International School Grounds Alliance and Green Schoolyards America Green Strides Institute for the Built Environment National Green Schools Society Conclusions Questions to Consider 2 Whole School Framework and the Green Ribbon Award Vignette Chapter Objectives The Green Ribbon Award and the Three Pillars of Sustainability Using the Whole School Sustainability Framework (WSSF) as a Roadmap to Create a Sustainable School Vision and Mission Alignment Interdepartmental Learning Catalytic Communication Charismatic Champions Engaging and Active Design Progressive Efficiency Healthy Systems Connection to Place Student Powered Longevity Finances Creating a Green School and How Interconnectedness Can Be Achieved Conclusions Questions to Consider 3 Getting Started in Creating a Green School Vignette Chapter Objectives Green Schools and the Connection to Quality Education Benefits to Teaching and Learning Improvement to Human Health and Wellness School Location: Development and Use of Green Space Step-by-Step Process of Greening a School Team Building Conclusions Questions to Consider 4 What Does a Successful Green School Look Like? Vignette Chapter Objectives Creating the Ideal Environment for Learning Characteristics of a Green School Physical Plant Health and Wellness Curriculum The Use of Outdoor Space How Leadership Can Support the Development and Success of a Green School Conclusions Questions to Consider 5 Teaching Project- and Problem-Based Learning in a Green School Vignette Chapter Objectives Teaching in a Green School Integrating Inquiry and Problem-Based Learning with Green School Practices Student-Centered, Experiential Learning Conclusions Questions to Consider 6 The Management, Aesthetics and Efficiency of a Green School Vignette Chapter Objectives Green School: Plant Management, Physical Health and Improved Performance and Aesthetic/School Environment Plant Management Physical Health and Improved Performance Aesthetic/School Environment Environmental School Audits Energy-Efficient Systems and Sustainable Practices Development of Environmental Management That Supports Sustainability Conclusions Questions to Consider 7 Policy, Safety and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Within a Green School Vignette Chapter Objectives Government, Policy, Non-profits and Green Schools Government and Policy Impact of Non-profits Green School Safety and Supervision Considerations Outdoor Areas Supervision Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Green Schools Conclusions Questions to Consider 8 Cost Benefits of Green Schools and How to Leverage Funding and Partnerships Vignette Chapter Objectives Cost Benefits of Green Schools Grant Funding and How to Stretch a Budget Grants and Resources Partnerships That Can Support Green School Projects Low- or No-Cost Ways to Be Sustainable Energy Water Safe Materials and Healthy Air Green Schools and the Impact on the Local Community Green Schools Create Jobs Conclusions Questions to Consider 9 How to Evaluate Campus, Curriculum and Community Sustainability Initiatives Vignette Chapter Objectives Green School Evaluation: What Is It and How Can It Be Used? What Is Evaluation? What Type of Evaluation Should Be Used? Evaluating the Interconnection of Sustainability Initiatives The Evaluation Process for Both Course- and Campus-Based Sustainability Initiatives Evaluation of Course-Based Sustainability Initiatives Evaluation of Campus-Based Sustainability Initiatives Grant Writing and Funding Evaluation of Community Relationships to Keep Them Healthy and Meaningful Conclusions Questions to Consider Additional Resources