Promoting Education for Sustainable Development
Sustainability and Stories
The Sustainability and Stories project provides schools and educators with access to online sustainability teaching resources.
The project centres on the use of children’s stories to promote education for sustainable development (ESD) as well as other teaching ideas and whole school approaches.
We have also tailored resources for small island developing states (SIDS), to align with local frameworks.
About
Sustainability and Stories is run by a team of educators, alumni and students from the Melbourne Graduate School of Education, with support from the MGSE Innovation Funding Scheme and the DHB Foundation.
Our goal is to provide schools and educators with a curated selection of free teaching resources that promote education for sustainable development (ESD). We have also tailored resources for small island developing states (SIDS) to align with local frameworks.
This includes children’s stories and lesson plans about sustainability, a curated range of teaching resources, and ideas for whole school approaches to sustainability. These resources are free to access, and designed to provide inspiration for promoting sustainable practices at a personal, classroom school and/or community level.
What is Education for Sustainable Development?
Educating young people to be better equipped to face the challenges of climate change is a crucial issue facing society. In the context of the Sustainable Development Goals, education has a key role to play in promoting sustainability: “education can, and must, contribute to a new vision of sustainable global development” (UNESCO, 2015).
As such, Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) aims to equip individuals with the knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes necessary to create a more sustainable future for all. ESD integrates content relevant to sustainable practices, responsible consumption and climate change. It also promotes learning that is active and participatory, and empowers learners to be action-oriented.
ESD in small island developing states
This project aims to promote Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) in small island developing states (SIDS), recognizing they are at the frontline of experiencing the impact of climate change (Crossley, 2019).
Geographic and economic factors make ESD particularly vital within small island states. These nations are vulnerable to environmental changes such as rising sea levels, natural disasters, and changes in weather patterns. ESD can equip individuals with the knowledge and skills to adapt to mitigate the impacts of these changes.
Online lessons
In collaboration with the University of Melbourne's International Literacy Project, our team is available to facilitate online Zoom classes with primary school students using stories to promote awareness about sustainability.
If you are interested in arranging a session please email: literacyproject-mgse@unimelb.edu.au.
Our goal is to provide schools and educators in SIDS with access to teaching resources that are easy to use and that can support the greater understanding of sustainable practices within their local context.
The resources below are free to access. They provide practical teaching activities and strategies, and inspiration for how schools can promote sustainable practices at a personal, classroom school and/or community level.
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Teaching Resources
A curated collection of sustainability teaching resources. All resources are free to access online and are adaptable across primary and middle school levels. The resources are organised according to the following themes: waste, water, ocean, energy, and conservation.
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Stories about Sustainability
A collection of children's books which can be used to teach students about sustainability. The collection has been organised according to the following themes: waste, water, energy, conservation, climate change, and taking action. Each story is accompanied by free teaching resources created by our team. This includes lesson plans, PowerPoint presentations, and suggested activities.
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Whole School Approaches
We have compiled examples of successful whole school sustainability initiatives. These examples highlight some outstanding but achievable practices in schools around the world. Projects do not have to be on a large scale to be effective.
Our team has curated a list of online ESD teaching resources for schools and teachers across the Maldives and Tonga. Resources for other small island developing nations will be added over time.
The resources are free for schools and teachers to access online, and include lesson plans, activities, and stories about sustainability. All resources are adaptable for primary and middle school students.
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Maldives
The Fehi Madharusa (Green Schools) Program is designed to promote sustainable practices in schools across the Maldives. It focuses on four key themes: island, ocean, waste and innovation. Our collection of teaching resources aligns with these themes.
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Tonga
A collection of sustainability teaching resources, which are free for schools and teachers to access.
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Fiji
A collection of sustainability teaching resources created for use by Fijian schools and teachers.
Contact details
Project lead:
Dr Rhonda Di Biase
Senior Lecturer
Melbourne Graduate School of Education
Email: dibiaser@unimelb.edu.au