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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.
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SCIEMATICS 2008“Evolving Through Literacy”Friday, October 10, 2008Centennial 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. • 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) • 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? • What are the various components of a “literate” person? • Webster’s Dictionary (page 496) • “one who is lettered, educated”
3. What is “Scientific” Literacy? • “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” • 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 science-related 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)? • 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: • 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)? • “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 post-secondary 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: • 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
7. Sources of Resources for ESD • 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 delliott@gov.sk.ca Lyle A. Benko Co-Coordinator SASKRCE lyle.benko@sasktel.net
8. The ‘evolution’ of ESD continues for Saskatchewan Science Teachers • 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 • 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 • 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 ????)