Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2021 - EDUC 454 E100

Quantitative Approaches to Environmental Education (4)

Class Number: 2418

Delivery Method: Remote

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Wed, 5:30–9:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    EDUC 401 and EDUC 402 or Corequisite: EDUC 403.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Integrating mathematical, scientific and socio-cultural methods and processes of learning across the curriculum and in teaching practice. Students will experience and apply approaches that are situated in the practices of environmental and social scientists through modelling, simulation and evaluation. Students who have completed EDUC 452 may not complete this course for further credit Quantitative.

COURSE DETAILS:

Summer semester 2020 instruction at SFU will take place remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This course will take place entirely on the Canvas platform where all materials and readings will be available. There will be no face-to-face sessions on campus.

The course time listed above is the scheduled time for the course, but there will be no gatherings on campus. We may use this time slot periodically for a remote class. Announcements to this effect will be made in Canvas. Registered participants will receive an email invitation to join the course Canvas session.


This course provides an introduction to environmental education, specifically in terms of qualitative and quantitative techniques used in environmental studies. Readings and activities will focus on ecological thinking and holistic approaches in environmental reasoning, with a view to constructing interdisciplinary approaches and activities for school curricula.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

You will:

  1. explore how mathematical reasoning impacts environmental curriculum and instruction,
  2. learn about environmental assessment techniques that include scientific, mathematical and sociocultural perspectives,
  3. develop environmental education lessons and activities that include mathematical reasoning, and
  4. critically examine different approaches to environmental education through readings, film and other media.

Grading

  • Environmental Theme Study/Unit Plan 40%
  • Environmental Me Project 30%
  • Weekly Canvas Discussion Forums 30%

REQUIREMENTS:

The Environmental Theme Study/Unit Plan is a group project (3-4 people) in curriculum development for environmental education. This will be developed via online collaboration and shared with peers in an onlne format.

The Environmental Me Project is an individual project or paper based on an interest you have in environmental studies and education. This can be a project that you conduct throughout the summer semester, resulting in a short paper or report based on your findings.

Weekly discussion forums will be housed in Canvas and provide an opportunity for you to extend your discussion and analysis about the various learning activites, readings and media used in the course.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

British Columbia Ministry of Education. (2007). Environmental Learning and Experience: An interdisciplinary guide and video clips for teachers. http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/environment_ed/environ_learning_exper.pdf

British Columbia Ministry of Education. (2008). Sustainable Resources 11 and 12. Integrated Resource Package. http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/irp/pdfs/sciences/2008susres1112.pdf

British Columbia Ministry of Education. (2008). The Environmental Learning and Experience Curriculum Maps: Environment and Sustainability Across BC’s K-12 Curricula. http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/environment_ed/ele_maps.pdf

British Columbia Ministry of Education. (2010). Sustainable Schools: Best Practices Guide. http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/greenschools/pdfs/sustbestpractices.pdf

British Columbia Ministry of Education. (2010). Sustainability Course Content: A Curriculum Framework. http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/greenschools/pdfs/sustcoursecontent.pdf

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

TEACHING AT SFU IN SUMMER 2021

Teaching at SFU in summer 2021 will be conducted primarily through remote methods, but we will continue to have in-person experiential activities for a selection of courses.  Such course components will be clearly identified at registration, as will course components that will be “live” (synchronous) vs. at your own pace (asynchronous). Enrollment acknowledges that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes. To ensure you can access all course materials, we recommend you have access to a computer with a microphone and camera, and the internet. In some cases your instructor may use Zoom or other means requiring a camera and microphone to invigilate exams. If proctoring software will be used, this will be confirmed in the first week of class.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112).