Science activities

Comenius 2004/2006 Nobel projectComenius 2007/2009 SMILE project

Scuola Media Luigi StefaniniTeacher Graziano Scotto di Clemente

Outdoor Education and Environmental Responsibility

“In all things of nature there is something marvellous.”  Aristotle (384-322 B.C.)

...developing values is a lifelong process….

Education for sustainable development (ESD)

A definition:

sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Education for Sustainable Development, briefing paper for the Teacher Training Agency (UK) - John Huckle - http://john.huckle.org.uk/   

ESD in schools: ESD as environmental science and

management ESD as values and behaviour

change ESD as socially critical education

Education for sustainable development (ESD)

Classroom talk plays a key role in ESD for it is through dialogue that pupils (with guidance) can decide what is technically possible, culturally appropriate, and morally and politically right.

(to contextualize, for example, the rules of citizenship education, in the new Italian school reform!)

Education for sustainable development (ESD)

Seven key concepts for ESD:

1. Interdependence – of society, economy and natural environment, from local to global (chain reactions, multiple causes and multiple effects, trade offs)

2. Citizenship and stewardship (rights and responsibilities, participation and co-operation)

3. Needs and rights of future generations 4. Diversity (cultural, social, economic and biological)5. Quality of life, equity and justice 6. Development and carrying capacity7. Uncertainty and precaution in action

Education for sustainable development (ESD)

Out-of-school (non-formal) education

Many students attribute a large amount of their knowledge of environmental concepts, problems, and issues to out-of-school (non-formal) educational settings and experiences.

These experiences can be combined very effectively with formal school programs and enhance the learning obtained from both.

Out-of-school (non-formal) education

2005-06 Experiences: water, soil, and connections between rivers in our territory

An alpine riverA resurgence river

Out-of-school (non-formal) education

Participation in outdoor pursuits classes and programs can give all of us the opportunity for challenge, adventure and excitement.

Perhaps most of all, the outdoor experience offers us a chance to explore and shape our values, attitudes, and behaviors towards the environment and ourselves.The sound of water!

The exploration of a cavern!

Out-of-school (non-formal) education

Out-of-school (non-formal) education and formal education

Analysis of an Ecosystem - Content Standards:

1. Change, constancy, and measurement2. Interdependence of organisms 3. Matter, energy, and organization in living

systems 4. Natural resources 5. Environmental quality 6. Science and technology in local, national,

and global challenges

Out-of-school (non-formal) education and formal education

Some moments…..

Out-of-school (non-formal) education and formal education

Not formal - Formal education: the carbon cycle, in the water life

Not formal - Formal education: the carbon cycle, on the soil life

Outdoor Education and Environmental Responsibility

In conclusion: involvement in outdoor activities stimulates interest in the outdoors, which in turn motivates students to learn about the natural environment.