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

✍ Scribed by Linda H. Plevyak

• Publisher: Routledge
• Year: 2022
• Tongue: English
• Leaves: 215
• Category: Library

✦ Synopsis

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.

✦ Table of Contents

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