Teaching
Sustainability in History
(McCoy,
2013).
Sustainable
patterns of living meet the needs of the present without compromising the
ability of future generations to meet their needs. Actions to improve
sustainability are both individual and collective endeavours shared across
local and global communities. They necessitate a renewed and balanced approach
to the way humans interact with each other and the environment (ACARA, 2013).
The Great Barrier Reef is heritage listed in Australia and
is known about all around the world. We have heritage listed this Australian
icon so that it will be there for generations to come.
‘The History curriculum enhances personal and social
capability by providing opportunities for students to engage with
understandings such as historical empathy, contestability, perspectives, cause
and effect, and continuity and change’ (ACARA, 2013).
Sustainability is an important component in teaching History
in the classroom. History involves looking at all aspects of events and people.
Sustainability is shown throughout history in the same ways; looking back to
our nation’s history and the methods they used and policies they implemented
for sustainability and what we as a nation are doing to be sustainable for
future generations.
Sustainability
education is futures-oriented, focusing on protecting environments and creating
a more ecologically and socially just world through informed action. Actions
that support more sustainable patterns of living require consideration of
environmental, social, cultural and economic systems and their interdependence
(ACARA, 2013).
The Bible tells us that:
“The Lord God took the man and put him in the
Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it” (Bible Gateway, 2011,
Genesis 2:15).
God has entrusted us as his children to look after and care
for this world. It is our responsibility to care for this world to the best of
our abilities and ensure that we do our best to make it sustainable and viable
for the generations to come.
‘The Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef ecosystem
on earth and one of the best managed marine areas in the world. At 348 000
square kilometres, the reef is one of the richest and most diverse natural
ecosystems on Earth’ (Australian Government, 2012).
Australia
is proud of the way we look after our world heritage properties. We have an
excellent track record managing the Great Barrier Reef as a multi-use property,
and are committed to sustainable development that ensures the outstanding
universal value of the Great Barrier Reef is not compromised (Australian
Government, 2012).
It is important that students can engage with Sustainability
in History that it does not just become a topic but it becomes something that
they are passionate about and want to help outwork in their community and
nation. Teaching sustainability in History is not about students learning facts
and ideas but about them being inspired that they can change and make a
difference in our world.
References
ACARA. (2013). Sustainability. Retrieved 16th May 2013 from http://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/CrossCurriculumPriorities/Sustainability.
Australian Government.. (2012). The Great Barrier Reef, Queensland.
Retrieved 24th May 2013 from http://www.environment.gov.au/heritage/places/world/great-barrier-reef/.
Bible Gateway. (2011). New
International Version. Retrieved 16th May 2013.
McCoy, M. (2013). Hardy reef, Great Barrier Reef, QLD. Retrieved 24th May
2013 from http://www.australiangeographic.com.au/journal/images-of-australia-hardy-reef-great-barrier-reef.htm.
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