Guiding students into a sustainable future : an SDG educational resource pack

Abstract

Sustainable development is a theme that is widely acclaimed for its importance. Yet, many lead relatively consumeristic and passive lifestyles that conflict with the principles of sustainability. This is why education for sustainable development (ESD) is a compelling aspect, of which principles, values, skills and attitudes need to be diffused and instilled in people’s minds. This study presents the literature on sustainable development, as a concept, and also reviews ESD, its underlying principles and events. The central element of this dissertation is, however, the development of a cross-curricular resource pack, which aim is to disseminate ESD among secondary school students. The curriculum pack was developed upon the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals which are a set of 17 goals and 169 targets aimed at the whole world in a bid to ameliorate people’s lives along with the conservation and protection of the natural environment. Within this framework, the curriculum pack specifically addresses the theme of the ‘Planet’ which encapsulates the following SDGs: SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation; SDG 12: Responsible Consumption; SDG 13: Climate Action; SDG 14: Life Below Water; and SDG 15: Life on Land. The curriculum pack contains a number of activities accompanied by a variety of resources that seek to enhance the learning experience. It also aims at helping teachers to link sustainability directly with their subject area. A draft of the curriculum pack was distributed to ten teachers for evaluation and the feedback and suggestions provided were used to improve the pack’s quality and functionality.