An Action Plan to Demonstrate Infusion of Environmental Education at Jackie Robinson Middle School
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Date
1995Author
Plunkett, Annette
Publisher
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, College of Natural Resources
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Show full item recordAbstract
This paper describes the development and- the implementation of a plan
to demonstrate the infusing of environmental education (EE) into the
curriculum at Jackie Robinson Middle School (JR), in the Milwaukee Public
School System (MPS). Literature in EE suggests that infusion is currently the
most effective method of integrating EE into the K-12 curriculum. The infusion
plan for JR involves a review of the accelerated learning model, implications
for curriculum development at JR, and an assessment of what MPS presently
has in place to implement the teaching of EE. The most effective facet of this
plan was the establishment of a committee of nine people, ref erred to as the JR
Collegial Team, which was able to influence and build support for this project
among students and staff, specifically working to put lessons in place that
encouraged teacher participation in four "environmental days". Riverside
Urban Environmental Center (RUEC), an outdoor site, was an appropriate
setting to awaken environmental sensitivity in the participants. During the
third week in May, students and staff were transported to RUEC for one of four
days of environmental activities, which included a picnic, and games in an
outdoor setting. A survey of adult participants and adult observers revealed
positive reactions with few exceptions.. Recommendations included a more
formal presentation of environmental issues, investigative skills and citizen
action strategies, as well as a concerted effort to incorporate EE into the JR
curriculum in the accelerated school model, to which JR is currently
committed.