Launch of environmental education guide for teachers

11/5/94

Teachers across Western Australia have been offered an inspirational book to help them face the challenge of teaching students about the environment.

Environment Minister Kevin Minson today launched 'Teaching Among the Trees', a book of case studies of environmental education in WA schools.

Written by the Department of Environmental Protection, it features 17 articles about environmental learning projects being run in WA schools and includes examples of landcare projects, bush regeneration, energy efficiency and recycling.

Mr Minson said environmental education was an evolving discipline and some teachers might find it hard to see where it could fit into their heavy teaching programs.

"The case studies in this book show very clearly how teachers have wedded environmental projects with their teaching requirements and how they have overcome the hurdles of limited time, resources and knowledge," Mr Minson said.

"Perhaps even more importantly, it shows how environmental education can be taught with a sense of balance.

"Environmental education is not about teaching students tales of environmental disaster.

"It is learning about the physical environment, our place in it and how we can protect it while maintaining a good standard of living.

"The commitment of teachers, principals, school gardeners, students and parents shown in this book is highly commendable."

Mr Minson said it was pleasing to see the contributions of several industries in projects which involved local schools and communities in environmental protection.

The Minister said the Department of Environmental Protection was interested in news of other environmental education projects and might consider writing a second volume.

'Teaching Among the Trees' included a list of useful contacts from organisations which could help with environmental education projects.

Copies of the book are available from the Department of Environmental Protection.

Media contact:  Diana Callander 321 2222 or 222 9595