Ekistics. A Guide for the Development of an Interdisciplinary Environmental Education Curriculum [microform]

Based on a state requirement that all elementary and secondary schools provide instruction in the wise use of natural resources and protection of the environment, the California State Department of Education has developed this guide to assist local educational agencies in translating legislative mandates into action. It offers a structure and guidelines for developing a curriculum suited to local needs that will meet state requirements. The concepts developed for the study of conservation and environmental protection go beyond the more traditional nature study and appreciation of the out-of-doors and consider the areas of social sciences, sciences, and humanities as well. The definition and basis for ekistics are explored and ideas for developing the ekistics curriculum are expressed. Cognitive-affective frameworks and curriculum outlines for elementary, junior, and senior high school levels are constructed for this purpose. A detailed example is given for the elementary school level with cognitive-affective schemes and their supporting concepts presented as conceptual pathways. For each pathway the concepts are defined, performance objectives stated, and supporting content suggested. Strategies for learning and teaching at all levels are also discussed. Suggested learning experiences, developed by the Los Angeles City Unified School District for the elementary ekistics framework, are appended. This work was prepared under an ESEA Title III contract. (A related document is ED 064 196.) (BL)