Societal Relevance in the Curriculum

Bringing the community into the classroom societal relevant issues (pollution, water issues, natural resources, etc.) used in curriculum or activities are a way increase students’ engagement. Students are more willing to participate when the activity or curriculum ties to the students’ lives. Students’ relevance perceptions may vary within the classroom often giving students an opportunity to discuss their own perspective as well as learn about others.

Creating Local Relevance with Environmental Justice Border communities often have: High minority populations: pop. 830,000 with 81% Hispanic or Latino Low percentage of educational attainment: 74% HS diploma; 20% Bachelor’s degree or higher High percentage of persons below poverty level: 23% Environmental issues often go unaddressed in poorer communities.

“Everyone should equally share in the benefits of natural resources and the burdens of environmental health hazards.”

The use of the EJ module allows: Students to see societally relevant issues in the context of EJ issues Gives students an opportunity to study EJ issues in other regions Provides opportunities for open dialogues about local issues in the classroom