Part A - Research and Planning

a.My research focus:

My research focus is on enhancing environmental responsibility in children's education and care services by integrating sustainability into the curriculum and promoting eco-friendly practices among educators and children.

b.My research findings (provide a dot-point summary):

Integrating environmental education into the curriculum fosters awareness and knowledge between children.

Teaching methods should include hands on activities to promote sustainable practices and develop critical thinking skills.

Collaborating with local organisations enhances community engagement and sustainability concepts.

Education should include both facts and values that encourage responsible environmental behaviour.

Understanding and measuring carbon footprints can guide efforts to reduce environmental impact within the education service.

Exposure to nature positively impacts children's mental and physical health, helping them create a connection with the environment.

c. My research references:

Environmental citizenship education insights.

Teaching environmental responsibility.

Community engagement in environmental education.

Education for sustainability principles.

Long term impacts of environmental education.

d. My finalised research focus:

My finalised research focus is to develop a comprehensive plan that enhances environmental responsibility within the education and care service through implementing a sustainability curriculum for children and conducting training sessions for employees on eco-friendly practices.

e.Learning Outcome for organisation/employees:

Educators will demonstrate an increased understanding of environmental sustainability practices and their role in implementing eco-friendly operations, fostering a culture of environmental responsibility within the organisation.

f.Learning Outcome for children:

Children will identify and practice key sustainable behaviours, recognise their role in caring for the environment and engage in activities that promote environmental awareness and responsibilities.

g.My Plan (what you will do, the resources you will use, what participants will do/the time frame for completion):

I will implement a sustainability program for the children that includes hands-on, nature-based learning activities and discussions on environmental issues.

I will provide professional development opportunities for educators on sustainability practices and their significance in daily operations through online resources and documents.

Resources I will use include professional development materials such as digital resources, articles and information fact sheets. Natural resources for the children, age-appropriate books on real-life environmental issues.

Educators will participate in staff meetings and actively participate in the professional development findings on sustainability practices and their significance in daily operations.

Children will engage in hands-on learning experiences related to conservation and sustainability, participate in nature exploration activities and discuss environmental topics.

Supervisor Feedback

I am impressed with the thoughtfulness of your research plan, you have done well in exploring the topic of environmental responsibility. Your research is clear and well-defined, you have identified some great key findings to guide your work. Your learning outcomes are specific and achievable, I appreciate the emphasis on nature-based learning for the children.

Think about how you will record the success of your plan and ensure you consider any potential barriers that might arise. Keep up the great work.

Part B: Implementation

What I did in relation to the organisation/employers (describe what you did, how participants responded - you may include comments from participants, photos etc.)

I organised a professional development session during a staff meeting for educators, focusing on sustainability practices and their significance in daily operations. The session included interactive discussions on incorporating sustainability into teaching practices, information on the importance of environmental responsibility and its connection to the organisation's values, and distribution of resource materials including digital guides and fact sheets.

The participants responded positively, engaging in the discussions and sharing their own ideas. Comments included appreciating the opportunity and feedback on the session being informative.

What I did in relation to participation by the children (describe what you did, how the children responded - you may include comments from children/families, photos etc.)

I implemented a sustainability program for the children, focusing on hands on activities, interactive discussions and eco-friendly practices. The children learned about the importance of recycling, went on a nature walk, combined eco-friendly crafts with natural resources and promised to reduce, reuse and recycle.

The children responded with enthusiasm and engagement, improved understanding, positive behaviour, curiosity and creative expression. Comments included appreciation for wildlife, a sense of achievement for their creativity and promises to turn off the lights or not waste water.

Part C: Evaluation and critical reflection

Question/s

1. Evaluation of Learning Outcome 1: (Was the learning outcome achieved? Why/why not?)

2. Evaluation of Learning Outcome 2: (Was the learning outcome achieved? Why/why not?)

3. Were there any unexpected outcomes?

4. What were the benefits of your program for the organisation?

5. What did you learn about yourself as a researcher and planner?

6. How did you share the outcomes of the program with participants and your Workplace Supervisor?

7. Now that you have completed this unit, critically reflect on what you have learnt about the purpose and role of environmental sustainability in a children's education and care service.

8. Feedback?