S T Literacy

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On getting from being Educated to becoming Literate in Science and Technology (Enhancing S&T Literacy through Environmental Education)

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Talking Points The Science/Technology/Society (STS) way for achieving S&T literacy Environmental Education as a training platform for nurturing S&T literacy Responsible ecotourism and challenges of sustainability (a lesson in natural resource management)

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Some Pertinent Questions What are the qualities of a S&T literate person? Why is Environmental Education (EE) a good platform for increasing S&T literacy? Is our science curriculum well customized and aligned to reach this goal?

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Qualities of a S&T literate person Applies scientific methods, logical reasoning, and creativity in investigating the surrounding world; Uses concepts of S&T and considers ethical/social values in solving everyday problems and making responsible decisions; Defends decisions and actions using rational arguments based on S&T evidences; Distinguishes between S&T evidence and personal opinion…. and between reliable and unreliable information….. and so on. (Source: Tan, M. 2004)

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What’s up? Let me get the facts. What does it all mean? What could happen? But if we do that – what then? How’d it go? Let’s hit the road. This is it!

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About the STS Approach STS is not a new concept but rather a holistic approach geared towards achieving S&T literacy in a student/learner; STS means focusing on real-world problems which have science and technology components from the learners’ perspective; STS enables the learner to investigate, analyze, and apply concepts and skill processes to real-life situations, and to make responsible decisions in everyday life.

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A Good STS Programme A good STS programme or curriculum provides built-in opportunities or activities for learners to go beyond the classroom to their local communities; The curriculum and its prescribed activities should be appropriate for the age of the learner and be learner-centered; STS ultimately empowers learners so that as future citizens they realize they have the power to make changes and the responsibility to do so.

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(A Lesson in Marine Resource Management)

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Our Marine Ecosystems

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Ecology (biodiversity, habitats) Living and non-living resources Aesthetic values (natural vista) Recreational values Historical & archaeological values Educational & cultural values Development (tourism, energy, water)

Our Community Capital/Asset: 

Our Community Capital/Asset The resources of our marine ecosystems are a natural heritage, crucial for safe-guarding the livelihood, cultural and ecological values of the people. They contribute to economic prosperity of present and future generations.

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Can you relate this feature to the theme and aim of this presentation?

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Natural Capital Human and Social Capital Built Capital

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Components of a Sustainable Island Community (Not to Scale)

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Ecotourism Nature-based tourism that involves education and integration of the natural environment (including cultural component). It has become a big business and revenue generating venture today!

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… is marketed internationally but it is “consumed” at the point of production – the destinations. Consumer (tourists) Producer (operators) Product (destinations) Key Players being the … Ecotourism

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Examples of Negative Impacts Erosion of over-visited sites; Disturbance of wildlife nesting and breeding activities; Depletion of natural resources; Trade in endangered species; Consumption of energy and water; Damage to landscape and nature by tourist infra-structure, transport activities, etc.

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Ecotourism is managed such that it becomes ecologically sustainable (i.e. ensures long-term conservation of the resource and involves an appropriate return to the local community. Responsible Ecotourism Bottom Line Environmental systems support the ecotourism industry, not the reverse!

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“… improving the quality of human life while living within the carrying capacity of supporting ecosystems.” Definition of “Sustainability” Source: IUCN / UNEP / WWF. Caring for the Earth: A Strategy for Sustainable Living. (Gland, Switzerland 1991)

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Carrying Capacity “One of the most challenging tasks is to estimate the carrying capacity of an attraction or destination.” “How many tourists are too many?”

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Sustainable Development The challenge of sustainable development arises from these two major converging trends Impact = Population x Consumption x Technology Diminishing margin for action Sustainability Decline in resource availability and ecosystems

Our Shared Vision: 

Our Shared Vision Our marine ecosystems are safeguarded in a way that is consistent with the socio-economic aspirations of our people through innovative use of science and technology to conserve the rich resources in the interest of sustainable development and promotion of ecotourism.

Strategic Pathways Toward Achieving a Shared Vision: 

Strategic Pathways Toward Achieving a Shared Vision (Source: PEMSEA 2002)

Integrated Coastal Management: 

Enhancing the sustainable development of coastal resources and the marine environment An Integrated Approach Integrated Coastal Management

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Key Strategic Actions SUSTAIN PRESERVE PROTECT IMPLEMENT COMMUNICATE DEVELOP

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SUSTAIN PRESERVE PROTECT IMPLEMENT COMMUNICATE DEVELOP

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SUSTAIN PRESERVE PROTECT IMPLEMENT COMMUNICATE DEVELOP

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SUSTAIN PRESERVE PROTECT IMPLEMENT COMMUNICATE DEVELOP

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SUSTAIN PRESERVE PROTECT IMPLEMENT COMMUNICATE DEVELOP

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SUSTAIN PRESERVE PROTECT IMPLEMENT COMMUNICATE DEVELOP

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SUSTAIN PRESERVE PROTECT IMPLEMENT COMMUNICATE DEVELOP

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Core Values of Env. Education Systems inter-connectedness Biodiversity & ecosystem stability Cont. change Balance of nature Finite resources Population growth & carrying capacity Geochemical cycles Stewardship and cooperation Sustainable development

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Parting Shots Environmental Education is an excellent platform for enhancing S&T literacy in our students/citizens; Start greening the EE curriculum the STS way; Create quality experiential learning environments that nurture S&T literacy.

Slide35: 

Thank You