Evans, Neus (Snowy), and Whitehouse, Hilary (2008) Water quality issues as locally relevant school curriculum in Far North Queensland. In: Proceedings of the International Education Research Conference (2008) pp. 1-9. From: Australian Association for Research in Education (AARE) 2008 International Education Research Conference, 30 November - 4 December 2008, Brisbane, QLD.

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Abstract

Many sustainability education experts call for education that is embedded in local issues. Locally relevant sustainability education is believed to promote improved literacy, critical and social skills (Ernst & Monroe, 2006; Larri, 2004; Volk & Cheak, 2003), mental health and wellbeing (Maller, 2005) and increased social capital (Dale & Carlisle, 2008). In Far North Queensland water quality changes in waterways leading to the Great Barrier Reef is a locally relevant environmental issue. Many Far North Queensland communities depend on the health and sustainability of the Great Barrier Reef for their economic, social and cultural wellbeing. Yet most primary schools in the region overlook sustainability education that connects students with local water quality issues.

Our research investigates the barriers and benefits of Far North Queensland primary schools taking up sustainability education which connects to local water quality issues. This paper discusses the barriers and opportunities for water quality work in Far North Queensland schools. We present a case study of a school that has implemented water based sustainability work and discuss the benefits they have derived from it.

Item ID:	26347
Item Type:	Conference Item (Research - E1)
ISSN:	1324-9339
Date Deposited:	18 Jun 2013 04:52
FoR Codes:	13 EDUCATION > 1303 Specialist Studies in Education > 130399 Specialist Studies in Education not elsewhere classified @ 100%
SEO Codes:	93 EDUCATION AND TRAINING > 9303 Curriculum > 930399 Curriculum not elsewhere classified @ 100%
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