Virginia Tech
ER-12: Sustainability Immersive Experience

Earth Sustainability Series Course (University Core Course Series - UCCS 2984): This program offers small-group active learning, field trips, renowned guest speakers from within and outside the campus community, and meaningful skill-building opportunities that prepare students for complex interdisciplinary challenges. Barbara Bekken co-developed the program and is the director of the Earth Sustainability Program. The Earth Sustainability (ES) pilot series debuted successfully in fall 2004 as part of the Living in the 21st Century Program, which is designed to integrate the goals of the university’s core curriculum in an interdisciplinary theme-based learning experience. The Living in the 21st Century Program is an emerging model for general education that engages participants in real-world, messy issues by challenging them to think critically and act creatively. During the four-semester long series, participants are introduced to how humans both create and use disciplinary knowledge and then apply it to challenging interdisciplinary problems. Through investigations of complex issues, students build interdisciplinary perspectives across many knowledge domains. The thematic series is designed as a journey toward greater responsibility for learning about and participating in an increasingly complex world. In 2008, the program welcomed its third cohort of approximately 150 students who worked together as a group and in learning communities of 25-30 students, each facilitated by a faculty member. In 2009, the Earth Sustainability Program was awarded a “University Exemplary Department Award” for effectively linking research and scholarship with teaching, with particular concentration on innovative undergraduate programs. For more information about the award, please see: http://www.cider.vt.edu/awards/awardDepartment.html The Earth Sustainability Series Theme: “The Earth Sustainability (ES) series explores issues surrounding the sustainable use of Earth’s energy and material resources. We use these resources to produce food and fresh water, all of our energy and transportation needs, and shelter. And we are using them at ever-increasing rates. How do we make sense of and measure our impact on Earth’s systems such that we can create a more sustainable pathway to the future?” Features of ES: 1. Allows for relationship building in small learning community sections (25-30) that remain together for four semesters. 2. Interdisciplinary theme allows for intellectual exploration in diverse ways. 3. Promotes learning with understanding in both STEM and non-STEM disciplines. 4. Encourages students to transfer information and problem-solving skills to new contexts. 5. Challenges students to develop habits of mind, action, and attitude that support effective and responsible citizenship. 6. Promotes an appreciation of different perspectives and cultural mores, and supports genuinely valuing diversity. 7. Invites and empowers all learners to become active partners in their own learning. 8. Provides access to top researchers and leaders as guest speakers. 9. Builds leadership and professional skills within and beyond the classroom.