Portrait of a Sustainable School

In his comprehensively researched book Smart by Nature, Michael Stone says that “schools teach, whether they are conscious of it or not, by how they treat their neighbors, invest their money, and provision themselves with food, energy, materials, shelter transport and water.” It is an innovative idea: Children learn at school not just from the curriculum but also by what is modeled in the environment that surrounds them. Learn how schools across North America are changing inside to educate for sustainability.

A recent study from the National Wildlife Federation describes the two-for-one benefits from outdoor education: Give kids time outside for learning and play, and children are more creative, better able to concentrate and better able to problem-solve in the classroom. Find out more about what schools can do outside to model and teach sustainability.

It is so inspiring to see the new form that sustainability education is taking, and how it is shaking loose novel ideas and new resources. From a developing national network to free classroom curriculum, Sustain Dane can connect you to those organizations leading the way.