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UBCx: STEM & Sustainability

STEM & Sustainability is a hands-on, self-paced, course designed to provide teachers the knowledge and resources to incorporate sustainability topics into their existing STEM curriculum. Each module will feature engaging activities on a limited budget so as to be accessible for every classroom. Each activity uses an inquiry lens to allow students to focus on aspects of sustainability that are important to them and to build student agency and ownership around these topics.

STEM & Sustainability
2 weeks
2–3 hours per week
Self-paced
Progress at your own speed
Free
Optional upgrade available

There is one session available:

After a course session ends, it will be archivedOpens in a new tab.
Starts Mar 29
Ends Dec 31

About this course

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This course will provide teachers with an understanding of how to incorporate sustainability topics into their existing STEM curriculum. Each module will feature engaging activities on a limited budget so as to be accessible for every classroom. Each activity uses an inquiry lens to allow students to focus on aspects of sustainability that are important to them and to build student agency and ownership around these topics.

At a glance

  • Language: English
  • Video Transcript: English

What you'll learn

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By the end of this course you will...

  • develop a deeper understanding of what sustainability is,
  • be able to provide and recognize sustainable solutions to real-world problems,
  • create connections between STEM and sustainability,
  • build connections between sustainability and other curricular areas including First People's Principles of Learning, and British Columbia's Core Competencies
  • gain strategies for evaluating sustainability activities,
  • be able to incorporate sustainable practices in the classroom without making drastic changes to your existing teaching practices.

In addition to the above course learning objectives, you may wish to set additional goals for yourself. We encourage you to do this and to consistently check in on these goals in each module to ensure you are staying on track with your individual learning objectives!

Module 1: What is Sustainability?

  • Defining Sustainability
  • First Peoples' Principles
  • Activity: SEL & Sustainability
  • Resources

Module 2: Exploring Sustainable Solutions

  • Topics of Environmental Sustainability
  • Engineers & Scientists Role in Environmental Sustainability
  • Spheres of Influence
  • Resources

Module 3: Sustainable City Planning

  • Sustainable City Planning
  • Lesson Plan
  • Community Mapping Activity
  • Resources

Module 4: Short and Impactful Sustainability Activities

  • Discussion: Sustainability in Your Classroom
  • Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

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What technology/equipment do I need to take these courses?

Each course is a browser-based course which can be completed on any laptop or desktop computer with an internet connection. You will be asked to upload photos of your work throughout the course, so access to a camera/webcam is useful but not required.

Do I get anything upon completion?

Yes! Upon completion of each course you will receive a certificate along with access to the many resources!

Can I take these courses if I don't teach in BC?

Of course! Anyone can sign up for these courses. Our courses will reference BC's curriculum throughout, however, you could modify the activities to fit your local curriculum.

Do I need any materials to complete this course?

Depending on the course, you will be asked to complete some activities using simple materials you likely already have at home such as cardboard, popsicle sticks, and elastics. Alternate material suggestions will always be provided.

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