Environment in the Curriculum

The latest issue of The Journal of Biological Education (46 (3) 2012) has an article entitled "The living world in the curriculum : ecology, an essential part of biology learning" by Korfiatis & Tunniclffe. It stirred old feelings in me of my inadequacy at being a more forceful proponent of environmental education (and my inability to clearly articulate what I'm trying to say).
The natural environment is obviously so important to the future of humankind yet we continue to mistreat it and refuse to accept that we need to be in steady state with it and not continually growing. The article discusses the importance of "real ecology" rather than "book" ecology and has its roots in the primary curriculum and the "proposed transformation in science curricula". Here is the key quote:-

 "Ecology education is, in our opinion, the missing link in educational reform, integrating outdoor education, ICT and systems thinking, connecting science with everyday experience, and developing scientific skills for very young children, encouraging modelling activities, and promoting greening of the curriculum"

I'm getting involved with local habitats in the coming weeks - woodland and seashore (see previous post). I am excited and depressed - excited to work with children and keen staff, depressed by the enormity of what I see as a problem with communicating the awe and wonder and the understanding of how the natural world works to a self-interested world. Reminded me of a Waterboys' song with a short narration by Billy Connolly about the purpose of life..

               "..to have children and look after the place"*

                       "Spiritual City" from Dream Harder (Geffen, 1993)

With all the pressure of "routine" teaching and  "initiatives", as well as the need for "innovation", teachers need more and better support. Where's it coming from?

* How does this fit with the "Christian" feel of the album where everything was put on the Earth for exploitation by/the benefit of Man? Mmm. Let's not go there, except in person.