A unit for grades 4–8 looking at the decisions consumers and producers make through the triple lenses of the environment, the economy, and equity.
Sustainable Economics is an integrated, project-based unit of study initially designed and piloted in a fourth/fifth grade classroom at the Sustainability Academy at Lawrence Barnes Elementary School. Economics becomes a living concept for students as they research decision making, their own impact on their community, and economic forces at play in their lives. Students work with local businesses and community members to research and develop a business model with positive impact on their community as they build a deep understanding of social, economic, and environmental impacts of every day decisions,
Developed in collaboration by Aziza Malik of Champlain Elementary School, Kellie Smith of the Sustainability Academy at Lawrence Barnes, both in Burlington, VT, and Emily Hoyler and Sarah Kadden of Shelburne Farms.
Related Resources
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The Big Ideas of Sustainability Poster
A visual representation conveying the breadth and depth of the concept of sustainability. -
Learning Locally, Transforming Globally
Utilizing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, this framework encourages learners to be co-participants in creating a more healthy and just planet, starting in their place.