Sustainability Foundations at Local Secondary Schools
The Science, Environment, and Society program is an initiative led by the Division of Environment and Sustainability at HKUST, which began as a trial in 2022. This strategic program aims to enhance sustainability education within Hong Kong's local educational landscape, specifically targeting junior secondary students. By equipping young learners with critical knowledge and skills related to sustainability and climate change, the initiative aligns with HKUST’s broader commitment to fostering a comprehensive understanding of sustainability concepts among all students, enabling them to address both local and global challenges.
A key component of this initiative is the training of student teachers through the Undergraduate Teaching Opportunities Program (UTOP). This program empowers student teachers to develop educational materials and conduct teaching demonstrations in local secondary schools, thereby deepening younger students' understanding of sustainability issues.
The curriculum is structured around the Big History framework, which offers a holistic perspective on the evolution of the universe, Earth, and human societies. This approach encourages students to critically analyze the interconnectedness of various disciplines and underscores the importance of sustainability in tackling contemporary challenges.
The primary objectives of the initiative include the followings.
Learners will explore sustainability issues from multiple perspectives, fostering a holistic grasp of the challenges posed by climate change and environmental degradation.
Students will engage in analytical exercises to evaluate sustainability issues, enhancing their ability to think critically about complex challenges.
The initiative encourages communication and collaboration among students from diverse academic backgrounds, emphasizing the significance of interdisciplinary approaches to sustainability.
Students will reflect on their experiences, considering how their learning can inform their future educational and professional journeys.
This initiative holds particular significance as a local education program focused on sustainability and climate change. It is specifically designed for junior secondary students in Hong Kong, addressing the region's unique environmental challenges. By highlighting local issues such as air pollution, waste management, and the impacts of climate change, the program ensures that students can relate their learning to their immediate environment.
This relevance enhances engagement and fosters a sense of responsibility among students to take action on local sustainability issues. By instilling sustainability values and knowledge at an early age, the initiative aims to cultivate a generation of environmentally conscious citizens equipped to tackle climate change.
The program encourages students to become active participants in their communities, advocating for sustainable practices and policies. This grassroots approach is essential for fostering long-term changes in attitudes and behaviors towards the environment.