Some Ideas for Environmental Education in the Classroom

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In the complex and constantly evolving world of education, environmental education (EE) is a powerful tool for improving learning conditions for young people. In fact, it helps boost students’ interest, perseverance, and motivation. What’s more, because its pedagogical approaches are well aligned with the objectives of the Québec Education Program, EE helps students construct their worldview, shape their identity, and develop a sense of empowerment. (Centr'ERE, 2019)

According to the UN, education is the best way to combat climate change. (UN, 2023) Despite increasing recognition of the importance of EE, the education sector faces many challenges, and there are numerous obstacles preventing teachers from investing time and effort in EE. To help you overcome these obstacles, we address five common concerns about environmental education below. We hope this will encourage you and inspire you to totally rethink the way you approach EE in the classroom.

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“I don’t know enough about EE.”
“I don’t know where to start.”
“I’m not sure how EE relates to my subject.”
“I’m worried that I’ll scare my students.”
“I don’t have enough time.”

“I don’t know enough about EE.”

Teachers often feel held back by the fact that they aren’t environmental specialists and don’t have any specialized training in EE. Yet, as David Rousseau, science teacher and EE educational consultant at Collège Jean-Eudes, points out, “There’s no prior knowledge required. You don’t have to know everything before you start. You can build up your knowledge base gradually as you experiment with EE with your students. Give yourself permission to make mistakes and be curious in your approach to learning.”

Why not start by taking a look at the special EE section of the Collège Jean-Eudes website (in French)? You’ll find plenty of relevant information to help you get started.

“I don’t know where to start.”

Our top tips:

Find an environmental topic or issue that sparks your own interest and relates to your relationship with yourself, others, or the world around you, and use it as an entry point to EE.
Start with small projects that can easily be integrated into your course curriculum.
Focus on experimentation, not perfection.
Don’t be afraid to take risks. Your students can also help you experiment with approaches to EE. They can inspire initiatives and play an active role in them.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to people working in EE or to education staff at specialized NGOs, museums, or parks to organize meetings, talks, visits, or workshops at school. You’ll be able to learn right along with your students.

Here’s a link to the Lab22 resource bank, where you’ll find all kinds of resources for integrating EE into your classroom.

“I’m not sure how EE relates to my subject.”

Because the environment influences so many aspects of our lives, EE can be incorporated into every school subject. While some subjects lend themselves more easily to EE (science and technology, social sciences, Quebec culture and citizenship), it can be used in other subjects to develop disciplinary competencies.

Languages: Assign readings, essays, oral presentations, or debates on environmental themes.
Math: Have students calculate and analyze statistics related to clothing production. (UQAM LES, resource in French only)
Art: Ask students to identify and use different ways of representing space by observing their external environment. (“Question de perspective” LES, Monique-Fitz-Back Foundation, 2021, resource in French only)
Physical education: Plan activities that get students to connect with nature, discuss the impact of our food choices, or explore different active transportation options. (“Les délaissés” LES, 2013, resource in French only)

“I’m worried that I’ll scare my students.”

For a different perspective, read this article from November, which provides tools for moving from eco-anxiety to eco-hope.

“I don’t have enough time.”

You’re not alone! Many teachers feel the same way. To maximize your time, why not get together with your colleagues periodically to share what you’re doing and pool your teaching materials? You could also make your leadership team aware of the importance of promoting EE and ask for time to be set aside for EE activities.

If this article has managed to spark even a flicker of interest in you, it’s sure to win over your students. The myriad of opportunities offered by environmental education can transform your worldview and make the environment a new and enriching source of inspiration for your teaching! For even more resources on this topic, visit our website.

Author

Marie-Ève Lachance-Foisy - Since April 2022, Marie-Ève has been actively involved in Lab22’s core mission of promoting environmental responsibility and citizenship in Quebec high schools as an ecological transition advisor. Her career path, which began with completing a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies, has opened her eyes to how deeply environmental and social issues are interconnected and the importance of our responsibility to take action. As an advisor to members of the educational community, Marie-Ève is able to combine her two main interests, nature and human relationships. She is passionate about helping people discover the profoundly rewarding experience of uniting behind a common cause.