Environmental Science for Grades 6-12: A Project-Based Approach to Solving the Earth's Most Urgent Problems

Apply high-quality project-based learning strategies to create lessons and units that help students solve a variety of urgent environmental problems.

Environmental science (ES) education is essential to preparing today's students for the future. We must create opportunities for hands-on investigations that explore complex environmental problems in order to find solutions and meet the challenges of our changing world. Educators looking to bring ES-focused experiences to their students can turn to technology and social-emotional learning (SEL) strategies to connect students with real-world situations and citizen science opportunities, while fostering empathy and a love for the natural world.

Project-based learning (PBL), with its emphasis on inquiry and authentic challenges, can be an effective approach to teaching ES. Those new to PBL may not feel they have adequate training. Likewise, teachers who haven't taught ES may question how to incorporate it into their curriculum. This book addresses both situations, providing practical guidance for teachers, along with examples of technology-rich, learner-centered student projects addressing timely topics such as sustainability, human impact and climate change.

This book:

• Helps teachers design learning experiences that model authentic problems and processes practiced by scientists and engineers, to prepare students for future careers in science.
• Addresses diversity, equity and inclusion in ES, and shares resources and strategies for addressing racial equity in ES.
• Introduces facilitation techniques that redefine the teacher's traditional role as one that supports increased student agency, the development of critical thinking skills and an expanded awareness of their place in the global community.
• Includes a chapter that focuses on applying the principles and strategies shared in the book in an online learning environment.
• Addresses Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) topics in environmental science and is aligned to the ISTE Standards for Educators.

PBL is one of the best ways for students to explore complex processes and concepts, and this book will help teachers leverage this approach to empower students to take action toward a better future and world.

Audience: 6-12 science educators, instructional coaches, preservice teachers


About the Author
James Fester (@saintfester) is a teacher, educational consultant and instructional coach who helps teachers harness the power of authentic, experiential, technology-infused approaches to classroom instruction. His writing has been featured on well-known educational sites such as Getting Smart, TEDex, and KQED. His recognition as a Google Certified Innovator and a National Geographic Certified Teacher led to the creation of Park Based Learning, a project that encourages teachers to connect learners to national parks and public lands. As a member of PBLWorks National Faculty, Fester has consulted internationally, helping schools and teachers shift to a more student-centered, inquiry-based form of teaching and learning based on the same approach to education he has used as a state and National Park volunteer.