1. Thesis Outline: Using ecoliteracy as a foundation to teach sustainability principles in
K12 education through the DIPR (Discussion, Inquiry, Project, and Reflection) model, and
curriculum integration.
DIPR: Two levels for the DIPR template.
● Little DIPR Local issues (schoolyard, neighborhood, community, and state).
○ K 6th grade
○ Week long lessons that help build a foundation for Big DIPR lessons.
● Big DIPR Larger issues (regional, national, and global).
○ 7 12th grade
○ Multimonth long lessons that tackle larger issues and projects.
■ Integrated into many different classes (Math, ELA, Science, etc.)
Professional Development: Two day charrette based workshop
● Day 1 Understanding of Education for Sustainability (EfS) and ecoliteracy.
○ 3 hour workshop that highlights case studies and a walk through of successful
integration of EfS into curriculum and schools.
● Day 2 Charrette Workshop
○ 3 hour group exercise with goal creation and identifying target “issues” that EfS
can address.
○ Creation of “Action Team”
■ Group of individuals that are a part of the school that will help to
champion EfS efforts throughout the school. This group ideally should
be made up of teachers, administrators, students, and community
members.
Curriculum Integration and Teacher Facilitation: DIPR lessons span
multiple areas of study and the educators create a student driven learning environment.
● Tie projects to national and state standards.
● Work with community members and NGOs as much as possible.
● Connect projects to issues within the community.
