"Environmental education is an investment in our future. If New Zealand is to have a sustainable future, increased understanding of the environment and environmental decisions is essential."
The above quote is from the guidelines for environmental education in New Zealand Schools.
Teachers are encouraged to implement the guidelines by identifying opportunities to integrate learning about, for and in the environment with the traditional curriculum components.
The Taranaki Regional Council recognises that education of today's students will better prepare tomorrow's resource users. The role of the Council's Environmental Education Officer is to assist schools and teachers to link environmental education with integrated programmes. The Education Officer can assist teachers to:
- Plan integrated units which incorporate environmental education.
- Plan and undertake field trips.
- Visit Council facilities such as the display of native fish.
- Develop whole school programmes in environmental education.
- Access expert Council staff or resources where appropriate.
The Council has a range of resource units to assist teachers with environmental education. These units are available on request and are generally provided free of charge. A range of equipment and reference material is also available to assist with planning or field trips.
The Council regularly runs teacher workshops for professional development in key areas of environmental education.
Click on the links in the navigation panel at right for more information.
Contact the Environmental Education Officer Kevin Archer, for assistance with planning, preparing or delivering any aspects of environmental education, or if you would like to visit the Taranaki Regional Council facilities.
| Email: | education@trc.govt.nz |
| Phone: | 06 765 7127 |
| Fax: | 06 765 5097 |