Course Overview
This year-long elective will developing student understanding of a wide variety of environmental topics and issues through a mix of readings, films, interactive activities, service projects, and excursions. Emphasis will be on developing a balanced understanding of problems and exploration of creative solutions and healthy compromises. We will discover a variety of perspectives on such topics as population dynamics and sustainable economics, to biodiversity, urbanization, resource utilization, poverty and hunger. Throughout the term we will ask “what is our place in, and responsibility to, nature; and what are the correct courses of action given a balanced understanding of the issues?”
Course Elements include:
- Units are composed of short readings, films, and class activities to develop core knowledge of a topic and deepen student understanding.
- Develop a balanced perspective on environmental issues and learn about people working towards creative solutions.
- Do service and experiential learning projects with local organizations, working with programs such as the EcoKids day at the Imaginarium, the Wild and Scenic Film Festival, or other local activities.
- Field Trip to the 20th Anniversary of the Bioneers Festival in Marin, Oct. 16-18.
- Take an active role in moving Bitney to a more “sustainable” program.
- Complete individual and/or group projects on areas of personal interest.
First Quarter
Population Dynamics
Urbanization
Solid Waste
Personal Consumption
Second Quarter
Sustainable Economics
Rich and Poor
Food and Hunger
The World’s Women
Third Quarter
Climate Change
Energy
Air Pollution
Health
Fourth Quarter
Biodiversity
Water Resources, Watersheds
Forests
Oceans
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