A look at the benefits, barriers and solutions to an environmental curriculum in public schools.
Part one: The case for K-12 environmental education
Randy Showerman leads his boy scout troop out his back door and into the dark and silence. There are no lanterns or campfires, no knot-tying or shelter-building lessons. Silence is key.
Part two: Sidestepping funding shortages
The economic downturn makes it tough for such programs to flourish in Michigan and elsewhere. But there are hopeful signs. Recent legislation diverts some civil fines into a state Environmental Education Fund.
Part three: Getting hands dirty with environmental education
On the west side of Michigan’s Okemos High School is Zach Trelstad’s favorite classroom. To the right of the greenhouse entrance is the sandy ground with desert-native plants. To the left is the tropical area filled with large overhanging leaves, ponds with amphibians and intricate vines on lattice.