CONT960: Teaching Environmental Science in Grades 11 and 12

Course Schedule

Course Description

Society depends on your in-depth comprehension of environmental science and acquisition of teaching skills to evolve into an effective environmental educator. This empowerment equips you to guide students in addressing urgent environmental issues and fostering positive change.

This course will provide the tools to help you develop the knowledge and critical thinking skills to tackle those challenges. You'll learn about natural resource management, pollution reduction, sustainable energy generation, creative problem-solving, and impactful teaching strategies. You'll consider the economic factors and legal frameworks used to inform policymakers and deal with environmental challenges. You'll delve into complex environmental science concepts while developing your students' scientific literacy and analytical thinking. You'll focus on Indigenous perspectives and differentiated learning strategies. You'll conclude your course by preparing an action plan to inspire the next generation of environmental scientists to take action on a cause relevant to their setting and location.

What You Will Learn and Do

In this course, you’ll have the opportunity to

• analyze and apply key components of the BC Environmental Science 11/12 curriculum, focusing on the interconnected environmental systems, along with the creation and assessment of systems-based teaching activities
• utilize strategies to foster environmental education, action and sustainability, while addressing the impact of human activities and analyzing successful environmental initiatives through effective teaching methods
• develop inclusive learning experiences by integrating Indigenous and other perspectives to enhance students’ understanding of ecosystems and biodiversity, emphasizing complex roles, relationships and cross-curricular connections
• apply a variety of teaching philosophies to develop and implement technology-based lesson plans, focusing on the understanding and analysis of ecosystem dynamics, pollution, climate change, and their impacts on the environment and human health
• assess the impact of human practices on ecosystem sustainability, explore careers in conservation and sustainability, and analyze the role of environmental law in addressing environmental challenges
• synthesize learning around ecosystem stewardship and restoration knowledge while analyzing environmental policy through case studies and government regulations
• develop a comprehensive action plan integrating systems thinking, sustainability principles and Indigenous perspectives to address a local issue

Application Requirements

Courses and Post-Graduate Certificates are approved by TQS for Category Upgrade. If you would like these courses to be used towards Category Upgrading, you must have a valid BC Teacher Certificate.

ECEs, EAs, and other education professionals are welcome to take the courses without Certification.

Course Materials

Accommodations

Applicants who require accommodations for a specific learning need (e.g., learning disability) within their AQ/ABQ course, should click here for further information and support.

Have a question? Contact us!

Refund Schedule

If you drop a course:

1. by the midpoint of the course, you will receive 100% of your course fee.
2. after the midpoint, before the end of the course, you will receive 50% of your course fee.

For more about our refund policies, visit our Fees & Refunds page.