UBCx: STEM & Sustainability

Course Description

Embark on an enlightening journey with our "Sustainability in STEM Curriculum" course, designed to empower educators with the knowledge and tools to seamlessly integrate sustainability concepts into their existing STEM curriculum. This introductory-level course, offered by UBCx, is a game-changer for teachers looking to inspire the next generation of environmentally conscious innovators.

What students will learn

• Develop a comprehensive understanding of sustainability and its importance in education
• Master the art of providing and recognizing sustainable solutions to real-world problems
• Create meaningful connections between STEM subjects and sustainability principles
• Build bridges between sustainability and other curricular areas, including First People's Principles of Learning and British Columbia's Core Competencies
• Acquire strategies for evaluating sustainability activities in the classroom
• Learn to incorporate sustainable practices without overhauling existing teaching methods

Pre-requisites

This course is designed for educators of all backgrounds and experience levels. There are no specific prerequisites, making it accessible to anyone passionate about integrating sustainability into their STEM curriculum.

Course Content

• Defining sustainability and its relevance in education
• Exploring environmental sustainability topics and their connection to STEM
• Understanding the role of engineers and scientists in environmental sustainability
• Implementing sustainable city planning concepts in the classroom
• Developing short, impactful sustainability activities on a limited budget
• Incorporating First People's Principles and SEL (Social-Emotional Learning) into sustainability education
• Creating and evaluating sustainability-focused lesson plans
• Utilizing community mapping activities to enhance student engagement
• Accessing and leveraging sustainability resources for teachers

Who this course is for

• K-12 STEM educators looking to enhance their curriculum with sustainability concepts
• Teachers interested in promoting student agency and ownership in sustainability topics
• Education professionals seeking to integrate environmental awareness into their teaching practices
• School administrators aiming to implement sustainability initiatives in their institutions
• Anyone passionate about combining STEM education with sustainable practices

Real-world Applications

• Design engaging, sustainability-focused STEM lessons that resonate with students
• Foster a generation of environmentally conscious problem-solvers
• Implement cost-effective sustainability activities in resource-limited classrooms
• Collaborate with local communities on sustainable development projects
• Prepare students for future careers in sustainability and environmental sciences
• Create a more sustainable classroom environment
• Inspire students to become agents of change in their communities

Syllabus

By enrolling in this course, you'll gain the knowledge and confidence to transform your STEM curriculum into a powerful tool for promoting sustainability awareness and action. Join us in shaping a more sustainable future through education!