Certain teaching strategies are particularly well suited to cultivating eco-citizenship: project development, problem-solving, debate, role-play, analysis of socio-ecological controversies, hypothetical scenarios, case studies, and values clarification (Brière, 2017; Naoufal, 2017; Pruneau et al., 2017; Sauvé and Asselin, 2017).
Here are five learning activities designed to promote eco-citizenship:
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Write a Letter to a Municipal Official (Activity 3) (French Only)
Cycle 1. French. 2 to 3 periods. (Réseau In-Terre-Actif “Comprendre pour agir” learning activities guide)
This activity has students contact local municipal officials to suggest a project for greening public spaces and to highlight a specific environmental problem in the city. It helps students understand that everyone, regardless of their age, has the power to make a real difference by speaking up and getting the right people’s attention. While writing a letter may seem trivial, taking a stand against the dangers of urban heat islands and offering municipal leaders a concrete solution is already a brave and honorable act of citizenship.
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Public Hearing Simulation (Sainte-Paix Technical Landfill Project) (French Only)
Cycle 2. French. 4 periods. (BAPE)
This educational kit was developed by the Bureau d’audiences publiques sur l’environnement in partnership with the Centre de développement pour l’exercice de la citoyenneté. It contains all the materials you need to conduct a simulated public hearing in class on a landfill development project in the fictional town of Sainte-Paix. Based on role-play, the activity gives students a chance to work on their reading, writing, and oral communication skills.
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Wattson Learning Kit
Cycles 1 and 2. Social Sciences and French. 1 to 3 periods. (Hydro-Québec)
Designed to be easily integrated into different disciplines, these activities can be used separately or in combination. From quizzes to debates to essays, they encourage students to think critically and take action.
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Watch and Discuss the Documentary Après la Romaine (French Only)
Cycle 2. French, Science and Technology. 2 to 3 periods. (Lab22)
This discussion guide suggests having students debate the following question after watching the documentary Après la Romaine: Is it absolutely necessary to build new hydroelectric dams to meet our growing electricity needs (electrification of transportation, heating, etc.)?
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“Entends-tu l’éco?” Workshop
Cycles 1 and 2. (The Starfish)
The “Entends-tu l’éco?” workshop uses inquiry-based learning to introduce participants to current environmental issues and help them come up with viable solutions for their communities.
Eco-citizenship also calls for greater awareness of the interdependence of social and environmental issues. Championing the environment goes hand in hand with championing social issues related to human rights and justice for all. Amnesty International’s “Urgence pédagogique et droits humains” educational kit and Oxfam-Québec’s “Climat de justice : investir dans un avenir à égalité” turnkey workshop are two excellent French-language resources that can help you address these topics.
In conclusion, whatever activities you use to introduce your students to the concept of eco-citizenship, we encourage you to go beyond the confines of the classroom. Students can put the principles of eco-citizenship into practice by participating in real-world initiatives, including local cleanup efforts, volunteer work, community garden projects, and more.