Through feedback from teachers
and K-12 teacher focus groups, we have discovered that sustainability
concepts become more relevant and accessible by framing a discussion
around three key questions. Please use the Teaching Sustainability: 3
Basic Questions* framework below to assist you in introducing the
subject and narrowing the discussion with your students to produce
fruitful, lively and relevant dialogue.
*The Framework: 3 basic questions for introducing
sustainability concepts to your students
Background:
- Fundamentally, sustainability refers to our potential for
sustaining---supporting, maintaining, upholding---beneficial aspects
of society or the environment.
- This framework is a strategy for helping your students focus their
dialogue and viewpoints so they can begin connecting their
understanding of the world, their values, and their hopes, dreams, and
expectations for the future.
- Asking the following three questions can help give structure and
meaning to a sometimes vague and abstract concept where multiple
perspectives and disagreements are the norm.
Directions:
Ask the following questions to your students and compile the class
answers in three lists.
Sustainability of what?
"I believe we should sustain ______. "
Possible Answers: Fossil fuel consumption, modern technology, open
space, evolutionary process, natural habitats, educational freedom,
standard of living, the American way of life, ecosystems.
Sustainability for whom?
"I believe we should sustain (an answer from above)
for _______."
Possible Answers: All people, some people, our neighbors, our
friends, non-humans, some species, future generations.
Sustainability for how long?
" I believe we should sustain (the above answers)
_______."
Possible Answers: Months, years, forever, during the course of this
class.
Follow Up:
Our answers to the 3 Questions represent a window to open
dialogue. They are by no means a representation of every possibility.
Please use this framework to guide discussion within your classroom as
well as initiate discussions on sustainable lifestyles.
Once students answer the three initial questions, you can begin to
raise questions such as: How do we connect our hopes and dreams for the
future to our everyday actions? What is ethical decision-making? What
are our individual and global priorities?
Sustainability Education Handbook Introduction
Michigan’s Renewable Energy and Efficiency Success Stories
Urban Options Home Page