Skills Alignment -- Environmental Systems Literacy
For a comprehensive standards alignment table, see the Standards Alignment document.
Core Learner Skills
- Understanding energy flow through planetary systems
- Understanding matter cycles (water, carbon, nitrogen)
- Identifying closed-loop vs. open-loop (linear) systems
- Understanding carrying capacity and resource limits
- Analyzing population dynamics and feedback loops
- Comparing circular vs. linear design approaches
- Evaluating product repairability and design for circularity
- Designing and proposing a circular redesign of a linear process
- Presenting a community proposal with evidence and iteration
Related Academic Domains
- Science: Earth systems, ecology, thermodynamics, chemistry
- Engineering and Design: Systems thinking, circular design, environmental engineering
- Social Studies: Environmental policy, resource management
- ELA: Evidence-based argumentation, research, presentation
Possible Standards Connections
Next Generation Science Standards (may connect to):
- ESS2: Earth's Systems
- ESS3: Earth and Human Activity
- LS2: Ecosystems (interactions, energy, dynamics)
- Science and Engineering Practices: planning investigations, analyzing data, designing solutions
NAAEE Guidelines for Excellence in Environmental Education: This curriculum is broadly consistent with NAAEE guidelines for environmentally literate citizens.
Common Core ELA Speaking and Listening (may connect to):
- Collaborative discussion, evidence-based presentation
Transferable Learner Outcomes
By end of curriculum:
- Trace energy from the sun through at least one full planetary system
- Describe the water cycle and carbon cycle
- Explain carrying capacity with a real example
- Identify the difference between a linear and circular system in everyday life
- Design a circular redesign for one linear process
- Present a community proposal with evidence and honest assessment
Disclaimer
Literacy for Kids does not claim official alignment with any standards body.