According to the Maryland State Board of Education, the goal of the standard is to teach students to examine ecosystems and make educated decisions on how to “create and maintain an optimal relationship between themselves and the environment.”

Although environmental literacy is not yet measured by state testing standards, a curriculum that is rich with lessons about biospheres, recycling, sustainability and outdoor field trips is a great start!

Whether in Maryland or elsewhere, 21st century students benefit from a green education. From the everyday activities of recycling and reuse to outdoor adventure to the more complex understanding of life cycles of the materials and structures around us, environmental literacy is more than a subject – it’s a way of life for all ages.

Organizations such as CELF and No Child Left Inside provide curriculum and activity guides for educators and parents looking to “get greener” with young people!

This post includes excerpts from The Washington Post article Md. teachers gear up for new ‘environmental literacy’ standard.