56.053 - Developing Environmental Citizens: Leveraging Disciplinary Strengths to Address an Interdisciplinary Challenge

Session Type: Symposium

Abstract

The four papers in this symposium explore how educators can integrate science and social studies courses content to support students’ development into environmentally oriented civic actors. They are organized into two thematic pairs, each containing a conceptual paper and an empirical paper. The first pair focuses on science teachers using civic projects and sociopolitical issues to help students consider the social repercussions of environmental science. The second pair focuses on the potential synergy of science and social studies in preparing young people to adapt to the effects of climate change. After the presentations, a discussant will explore similarities and differences across the two models and examine how all four papers contribute to understanding how educators can foster environmental civic empowerment.

Sub Unit

• SIG-Environmental Education

Chair

• Jane C Lo, Florida State University

Papers

• Motivating Science Learning Through Civically Oriented Instruction: A Call for More Research on Classroom-Based Authentic Problem Solving - Brett L. M. Levy, University at Albany - SUNY

• Developing Enlightened Citizens Through Environmental Education - Jane C Lo, Florida State University

• Climate Change Adaptation and the Necessary Synergy of Science and Social Studies - Noah Weeth Feinstein, University of Wisconsin - Madison

• Teaching the Civics of Sustainable Living Through an Ancient History Course - Jay Shuttleworth, Long Island University, Brooklyn

Discussant

• Margaret S. Crocco, Michigan State University