Lessons in sustainability

An excellent resource book compiled by teachers from the West Midlands for teaching and learning about sustainable development issues. It was produced in the context of the World Summit on sustainable development in Johannesburg (2002) and highlights the opportunities for children to debate issues and make an active contribution to developing messages for the summit. The resource presents information and examples of work on the media representation of the world summit, issues of wealth and inequality and basic human rights. A range of information and activities are included for specific issues raised at the summit including water and sanitation, waste and pollution, agriculture and food and climate change. The photocopiable information is presented in varied and accessible ways with the use of photographs, drawings, diagrams, graphs and tables. A range of activity ideas are provided with a cross-curricular focus based on existing good practice . These include pupils making decisions about buying British or imported fruit, counting how many bin bags their family filled in a week and planning the efficient use of a fixed amount of water for their household. The activities and approaches adopted allow the opportunity for learning through practical examples and engaging with issues. Links to specific websites on these issues and related news sites and resources are particularly useful for extension activities and further information. Overall, a very useful resource that can be adapted for a range of classroom needs and stimulate new ideas and practice.