Environmental and Sustainability Education Core Content Connection Examples (PDF)
In 2014 OSPI prepared a minor update to the K-12 Integrated Environmental and Sustainability Learning Standards to address the adoption of Washington State 2013 Science Learning Standards (i.e., Next Generation Science Standards) and Washington State 2011 English Language Arts and Mathematics Learning Standards (i.e., Common Core State Standards).The update to the K-12 Integrated Environmental and Sustainability Learning Standards consists of grade level connection tables showing where Environmental and Sustainability Learning Standards connect to the new Science Learning Standards, the Washington State Social Studies Standards, and the English Language Art and Mathematics Standards.
As a support for the K-12 Integrated Environmental and Sustainability Learning Standards, OSPI convened K-12 educators to identify Environmental and Sustainability Education Core Content Connection Examples. Please note that this document is a work in progress and will be updated periodically. If you find broken links and or have comments please email: Sultana.Shah@k12.wa.us.
Curriculum Integration and Alignment Guide (Word)
Developed by OSPI, this guide includes a template for developing an integrated unit, as well as a model of a integrated unit in the context of environmental health. The model integrated unit in this guide was prepared by the Integrated Environmental Health Middle School Project, NIEHS Center for Ecogenetics and Environmental Health at the University of Washington. Districts, schools, and teachers may use this guide to help meet RCW 28A.230.020, requiring an interdisciplinary approach to environmental education.
Sustainable Design and Technology
For information on the course framework contact the
OSPI CTE division. Course Outline - This is a course offered by the Career and Technology Education Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics career cluster. The purpose of this exploratory course is to expose students to career opportunities in the new green economy.
The Green Sustainable Design and Technology course content includes:
- Principles of Sustainability
- Impact of Human Activities on Sustainability
- Sustainable Transportation Technology and Systems
- Sustainable Power Generation Technology and Systems
- Sustainable Resource, Materials, and Waste Management
- Sustainable Agricultural Systems
- Sustainable Ecosystem Management
- Sustainable Design and Construction
- Sustainable Manufacturing Practices
- Healthy Homes and Communities
- Sustainability in the Work Place
- Students’ Role in Building Sustainable Communities
To offer the Green Sustainable Design and Technology course, districts must obtain approval from the CTE division. The following school districts have obtained approval (updated
April 2014). Please contact the district directly for information about the course offered there.
If your district is not listed here please contact the CTE division to learn
more about the approval process.
Examples of Integrated Environmental and Sustainability Education
To support the implementation of K-12 Integrated Environmental and Sustainability Education Learning Standards, OSPI solicited examples from teachers across the state of what it looks like when students are engaged in integrated environmental and sustainability education. These “Stories from the Field” represent real lessons, units, extensions, projects, and programs across grade levels and in different subject areas.
Sustainable Design Project
The Sustainable Design Project is a statewide interdisciplinary project bringing industry, business, community, and higher education partners together with K-12 students to design sustainable solutions to real world challenges.