Education for Sustainability in primary science education

Abstract

Science education has an important role in Education for Sustainability (EfS).While the so-called 'three pillars' of environmental, economic and social factors underpin EfS, scientific literacy is essential for adults to understand many sustainability issues and their possible solutions, particularly in relation to the environment. Scientific literacy is 'the knowledge and understanding of scientific concepts and processes required for personal decision-making, participation in civic and cultural affairs, and economic productivity' (National Academy of Sciences 1996), all of which are important in addressing sustainability issues. The Board of Studies NSW Guiding Statement for the Primary Curriculum (1996) states that 'science is both a body of knowledge and a process of investigation ...', and '... technology is concerned with the purposeful and creative use of resources in an effort to meet perceived needs or goals'. Therefore, how we approach science and how science is applied through technology has significant impact on the world for benefit and harm, and this has great relevance for EfS.