Key Issues: Bringing Environmental Issues to the Classroom

The Key Issues Framework

Process Approach: The Key Issues curriculum brings the process of inquiry to the study of environmental issues. The Key Issues Framework provides middle level educators with step-by-step instructions to guide students through an investigation of all sides of the issue.

Interdisciplinary: The curriculum integrates science, math, social studies, and language arts throughout the investigation. Teams of teachers from the same school or district are selected to integrate what they learn into their curricula.

Integration of Ideas: The Institute incorporates effective and innovative ideas, activities and methods, including SEPUP, conflict resolution and mediation, role playing and simulations, as well as small group work and lab activities.

Standards-Based: The Framework guides educators in a standards-based instructional process. The curriculum addresses national standards from multiple disciplines while meeting state and district guidelines.

Easily Transferable: The Key Issues Framework is applicable to each educator's particular needs. Participants are encouraged to apply the steps of the Framework to any environmental issue.

Highlights of the Institute

Non-biased Approach: Teachers are introduced to a new way of thinking about their approach to contentious issues. They learn strategies to identify and remove their own bias in order to facilitate student inquiry.

Key Issues Staff: The Keystone Center staff members are former classroom teachers who have been trained in the organization’s non-biased pedagogy. Staff is supported by facilitators who are past participants actively using the Framework to investigate environmental issues with their students.

Setting: Using spectacular ecosystems, Key Issues combines classroom time with outdoor exploration of the natural environment.

Resources: All participants receive a curriculum notebook and CD-Rom that includes materials for all activities, as well as two SEPUP labs and computer software.

Networking: Teachers from across the country share best practices, successful classroom activities and form lasting professional connections.

Partners in Education: Following the Institute, educators are matched with a Resource Liaison from their sponsoring organization. Resource Liaisons work with teachers and students to gather data, share expertise or to provide students another perspective.

Course Credit: Educators who successfully complete Key Issues have the option of receiving three graduate level credits from Colorado School of Mines at a minimal cost.

For specific information on this training please contact Dan Schroder at dschroder@keystone.org, or 970-513-5840.

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2009 Dates

Silverthorne, Colorado

Session1:
June 21 - 28, 2009

Session 2:
July 5 - 12, 2009

Session 3:
July 12 - 19, 2009

For information about Summit County

Components

Simulation
Using a simulated environmental issue allows educators to practice the steps of investigation. From environmental issue identification to potential solutions and implementation, each step of the Framework is actively modeled.

Local Issue
Participants explore a local environmental issue as an example of how they can involve their students in an issue investigation in their community.

Small Group Explorations
During the week-long session, teachers are grouped in grade level/subject area configurations to discuss and explore ways to adapt Key Issues lessons to better address issues with their students.