Go Green 2007: Education for the Ecosystem

Credit: Bart Nagel

There are enormous gains to be made in public education -- potential reforms for what ails the system and promising innovations to bring it to the cutting edge. But every scenario for improvement takes for granted the good health and staying power of our ecosystem. Can we assume that ongoing pollution of air, water, and soil, as well as extreme weather and other consequences of climate change, will not hamper our vital efforts to effect change? Unfortunately, no. Without significant support, the planet will not provide a safe context for growth or learning.

Fortunately, this reality has not escaped many people invested in education culture. Students, teachers, administrators, and environmental activists have found ways to integrate knowledge and awareness of Earth's fragility with classwork and community service, carefully blending concern with action to help kids feel engaged and hopeful.

That is also our goal with this "Go Green" issue of Edutopia. Every section of the magazine is tied to the theme, from the Editor's Note [1] to Cool Schools [2] to Design [3], and we enrich the whole package with feature stories dedicated to an exploration of green curriculum, a look at those bringing environmental awareness to education, and projects that involve students and teachers directly with protection of the environment.

Check out our searchable, resource-packed Go Green Database [4], which features links to innovative classroom projects, service-learning opportunities, green curricula, lesson plans, and online tools. Search by topic, grade level, cost, or location. You also can contribute your favorite green online-education resources -- look for the "Contribute" link on the Go Green Database home page, and we invite you to rate, browse, and discuss the resources in this ever-expanding green repository. Hopefully, green awareness and activism will become a permanent feature of all our lives.

Credit: Veer

Read these articles and resources about environmental actions in, around, and for schools:

• Kids Count: [5] Student researchers become the eyes and ears of environmental scientists.
• Taking It to the Class [6]: Try these great lesson ideas for environmentally conscious teachers (and their lucky students).
• Green Heroes: [7]Here are some outstanding educators and students who have become agents of environmental change.
• Kids at Work [8]: Check out our poster saluting students on the front lines of environmental defense.
• Go Green Database [4]: Find lesson plans, green curricula, service-learning opportunities, classroom projects, and much more.