New York State
Environmental Literacy Plan
a workbook and toolkit for educators, administrators, and organizations to foster environmentally literate graduates and communities.
About This Workbook
New York State doesn’t have official standards for Environmental Science or Environmental Literacy, which makes it hard for schools to include these topics.
This toolkit was created to help districts across New York:
Build an Environmental Literacy Plan (ELP) that matches state learning standards
Include environmental topics across all subjects
Use the MWEE framework to put their ELPs into action
Encourage schools and communities to support environmental literacy
This resource was inspired by teachers in OCCA’s MWEE workshops, who created their own ELPs but found the process confusing. To make it easier, we worked with New York teachers to develop this simplified, ready-to-use guide.
[maybe something about organizations use of this for community ELP?]
What is Environmental Literacy?
An environmentally literate citizen has a connection to the outdoor environment and a sense of place, understands the interconnectedness of all Earth systems, and is engaged and empowered to address environmental issues and understands the impact of human choices.
An Environmentally Literate Person is One Who…
understands the interconnectedness of all Earth’s systems*
is engaged and empowered to address environmental issues and their impact*
understands the impact of human choices on the environment
has participated in authentic, inquiry-based learning outside to include Meaningful Watershed Educational Experiences (MWEEs) at least once in elementary, middle and high school.
has been involved in environmental stewardship at school, home and/or community level.
can articulate ways to positively impact the environment at the individual, organizational and community levels.
respects the rights of other humans and other species to exist and thrive.
understands that natural systems don’t recognize boundaries drawn on a map
seeks to leave the smallest footprint possible
is civically engaged
NY STATE & ONLINE RESOURCES
Articles
Biodiversity
Books
Citizen Science
INaturalist
WikiWatershed
FieldScope
Energy
Formal Partner
Otsego County Conservation Association
Grants
Globe
Holidays (STEM related)
Holidays (National)
Informal Partners
Invasive Species
Learning Standards
Lesson Plans
Macroinvertabraes
Museum
MWEE 101
