Transcript SCIEMATICS 2008 “Evolving Through Literacy” Friday

SCIEMATICS 2008
“Evolving Through Literacy”
Friday, October 10, 2008
Centennial High School
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Education for Sustainable Development (ESD)
From Saskatchewan to the U.N.
Lyle A. M. Benko
Co-Coordinator
U.N.U. RCE
Saskatchewan
www.saskrce.ca
OVERVIEW:
ESD from Saskatchewan to the U.N.
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1. Introduction and Background
2. What is “literacy”?
3. What is “scientific literacy”?
4. The role of (Science) Education in “Evolving through
Literacy”
5. What is Education for Sustainable Development (ESD)?
6. What is the role of a teacher in ESD in Saskatchewan?
7. Sources of Resources
8. The Evolution of ESD Continues for Science Teachers
9. Questions and Discussion
10. Closure and EVALUATION
Introduction:
What are your needs from this presentation?
*Please take a moment and jot down
two or three items you would like to see
covered during this session.
Background:
From Saskatchewan to the U.N.
The evolution and learning path of “literacy”
(My Experiences and background)
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1972 to present: Science teacher, Consultant, Supervisor, Administrator
1996 to present Faculty of Education U of R
Special Education Projects:
• A) Costa Rica (IDRC) 1991 and 1997
• B) U of Quintana Roo Yucatan July,1997
• C) Sustainability Presentation to Sciematics 1998
• D) International Climate Change Institute (Aspen Colorado) Aug. 1999
• >>>SEMI-Retired after 32 years of teaching in 2002<<<
• E) Director Climate Change Education Saskatchewan (2004)
• F) Co-Coordinator U.N.U. RCE Saskatchewan (2007)
• G) President: L*A*M*B* Environmental & Educational Consulting
(Inc) 2000
• H) Case Presentation to U.N. New York (May, 2007)
2: What is Literacy?
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What are the various components of a
“literate” person?
Webster’s Dictionary (page 496)
• “one who is lettered, educated”
3. What is “Scientific” Literacy?
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“The scientifically literate person
understands the nature of science
and scientific knowledge.”
• Saskatchewan Science Curricula (k-12)
• 1987 to 2005
• *Dimensions of Scientific Literacy
(DSL’s)
4. The role of (Science) Education in
“Evolving through Literacy”
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Grade 10 Science Program Philosophy and Purpose (2005)
• “ The purpose of the Science 10 Curriculum is to help all
students regardless of gender, or cultural background; develop
scientific literacy”
• “Scientific literacy is and evolving combination of the sciencerelated attitudes, skills, and knowledge students need to
develop inquiry, problem-solving and decision-making abilities
to become life long learners and to maintain a sense of wonder
about the world around them.”
• “A person who is scientifically literate is able to distinguish
science from pseudo-science; evidence from propaganda; fact
from fiction; knowledge from opinion; theory from design; and
data from myth and folklore”
• **Connections to ESD and DSL’s occur in the SK Science
Curricula from Grade 5 to Grade 12 ,with Grade 10 being the
best and most recent example.**
5. What is Education FOR
Sustainable Development (ESD)?
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United Nations University definition:
• “Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) is a
commitment that goes far beyond environmental education.
“ESD is the educational process for achieving human
development (economic growth, social development,
environmental protection).”
• *The “debate” about “sustainable development” has moved
on, much like the debate about global warming and climate
change.
• Organizations dedicated to ESD:
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A) U.N. Decade of ESD 2005 to 2014 declared in 2004
B) United Nations University Regional Centres of Expertise
C) Saskatchewan Regional Centre of Expertise (2007)
D) National Expert Council on ESD (NESDEC 2006)
E) Saskatchewan ESD Network
F) Saskatchewan Ministry of Education
5: What is ESD
(in Saskatchewan)?
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“Saskatchewan Regional Centre of Expertise
(SASKRCE) seeks to transform education for
sustainability in our region.”
“Education is broadly understood to include:
• Formal Education: Primary, Secondary and postsecondary education)
• Informal Education (Media, Boy Scouts, Girl Guides
NGO’s) *Green LIFE Launch today* Saskatchewan
Science Network (SSN) launch yesterday
• Non-Formal Education: Public education by government
(Ministry of Environment, SASKPOWER)”
6. What is the role of a teacher in
ESD in Saskatchewan:
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Saskatchewan Curricula (Science, Social Studies, Native Studies)
• Example: Grade 10 Science Unit: Life Science: Sustainability of
Ecosystems
• DSL’s and Science, Technology, Society, Environment (STSE Approach)
• Rhonda Phillips (Lumsden High School) presentation at Sciematics this
morning
• SCN “GREEN LIFE” launch this morning
• **Current research being done by 7 University researchers on the
SASKRCE Themes of:
A) Climate Change
 B) Health
 C) Farming and Local Food Production and Waste
 D) Reconnection to Natural Prairie Ecosystems
 E) Bridging Cultures for Sustainable Living
 F) Building Sustainable Infrastructure
PLUS TWO Cross-Cutting Saskatchewan Regional Themes:
1) Sustaining Rural Communities
2) Educational Approaches for Regional ESD
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7. Sources of Resources for ESD
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United Nations University: www.ias.unu.edu/
Saskatchewan Regional Centre of Expertise (SASKRCE):
www.saskrce.ca
Saskatchewan Education for Sustainable Development Network
(SESDN):
www.saskesd.ca
Learning for a Sustainable Future (LSF):www.lsf-lst.ca
• *ESD Resource Data Base Project
• *Lighthouse Project
• *Manitoba Education for Sustainable Development Working Group
(MESDWG): www.mesdwg.ca
PLUS these personal contacts:
Dean Elliott: Saskatchewan Ministry of Education [email protected]
Lyle A. Benko Co-Coordinator SASKRCE [email protected]
8. The ‘evolution’ of ESD continues
for Saskatchewan Science
Teachers
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SCN: “Green Life” launch today
RCE Saskatchewan Research Themes
based on Saskatchewan data
RCE Saskatchewan Recognition Event:
November 20, 2008: Craik, Saskatchewan
• Application process available on line at:
www.saskrce.ca
Print copies also available with other handouts
9. Questions and Discussion
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Have your initial “needs” been met?
What further questions do you wish to
raise at this time?
Handouts available:
• Power point presentation slides
• RCE Saskatchewan Contacts & FAQ
• RCE Saskatchewan ESD Recognition Program
Background and Application (Deadline:
October 27, 2008 for submission)
10. Evaluation and Closure
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Please complete and return the Session
Evaluation Form before you leave
CLOSURE:
• “I teach. I touch the future”
Christa McAuliffe (1948 to 1986)
“We SUSTAIN the future by our actions
as teachers.”
Lyle A. Benko (1950 to ????)