Caring for our environmental heritage : a curriculum pack for EkoSkola programme

Abstract

One is not born an environmentalist, but progressively becomes one. Therefore the learning of attitudes and values so important when tackling environmental problems, is vital, and needs to be taught very early. The problem in environmental education is not merely what and how to teach. For constructive lifelong action on environmental issues, a definite commitment must be evoked. An early understanding of the belief that the socio cultural environment is as important as the physical/natural environment is critical. Focusing on the biophysical environment alone may be counter-productive. The human being is a social animal and thus part of nature. 'Progress' has misled us to believe that humans are superior and independent of their surroundings. Humans are nothing if they do not live in harmony with their physical and natural environment, just they are nothing without their community. Through this project I want to show that learning must become a motivating endeavour affirmed continuously by a concern for others and for our surroundings - this ultimately leads to caring for our heritage. A curriculum pack will be created which will include various activities that can be used by primary school teachers. Available literature will be reviewed and a curriculum audit will be done so as to show how this can be taught through the teaching of other subjects. It will be reviewed by teaching staff of a primary school.