NAME: _______________________________________ COURSE & SECTION _______________________

BUILDING AND ENHANCING NEW LITERACIES ACROSS THE CURRICULUM (ProfEd - PCK6)
First Semester S.Y. 2020-2021
Module 15

4F. Eco-Literacy
A. Eco-literacy and Sustainable Development
B. The Seven Environmental Principles
I. Introduction / Rationale
The term was coined by American educator David W. Orr and physicist Frito Capra in the 1990s- thereby a new
value entered education; the “well-being of the earth”. An ecologically literate society would be a sustainable
society which did not destroy the natural environment on which they depend. Ecological literacy is a powerful
concept as it creates a foundation for an integrated approach to environmental problems. Advocates champion
eco-literacy as a new educational paradigm emerging around the poles of holism, systems thinking,
sustainability, and complexity.
II- Learning Objective
At the end of the unit, pre-service teachers should be able to:
a. explains the roles of eco literacy, teachers, learners and citizens for sustainable development demonstrate
ways of preserving the environment; and
b. display knowledge, skills and values in arts and creativity through various forms and activities
c. applies teaching strategies that promote learners’ creative thinking
III- Content
A. Eco-literacy and sustainable development
What is Eco literacy?
Ecological literacy (also referred to as Eco literacy) is the ability to understand the natural systems that make
life on earth possible. To be Eco literate means understanding the principles of organization of ecological
communities (i.e. ecosystems) and using those principles for creating sustainable human communities.
Core aspects of Eco literacy
1. Principles of Living Systems
Living systems are open, self-organizing systems that have the special characteristic of life and that
interact with their environment through information and material-energy exchanges.
2. Design inspired by Nature
The idea of “design inspired by nature” involves examining and emulating natural models, systems,
processes, and elements in order to solve human problems.
3. Systems thinking
Ecological literacy is also guided by an understanding of systems, or systems thinking because a system
is a set of interdependent, interrelated parts that make up a complex and unified whole, it cannot be fully
understood by analyzing its constituent parts.
4. Ecological Paradigm and the Transition to Sustainability
Ecological literacy is partly aimed at triggering large-scale social change in how humans live on the
planet. Teaching young people that we are part of the natural world is the basis for the shift to an
ecological paradigm – a worldview that places humans as embedded in ecological systems rather than
 perceived as separate, and that recognizes that there are global constraints to the amount of resources
we can use and waste we can produce on a finite Earth.
5. Collaboration
Community Building and Citizenship Ecological literacy is about emphasizing collaboration and
partnership as a hallmark of living systems and life. The ability to associate, create links, draw on
collective distributed intelligence of many individuals is part of ecoliteracy. Ultimately, sustainability is
a community practice.
What is sustainable development?
Sustainable development is the idea that human societies must live and meet their needs without compromising
the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
United Nation Sustainable Goals
Goal 1: No Poverty- Economic growth must be inclusive to provide sustainable jobs and promote equality.
Goal 2: Zero Hunger- The food and agriculture sector offers key solutions for development, and is central for
hunger and poverty eradication.
Goal 3: Good Health And Well-Being- Ensuring healthy lives and promoting the well-being for all at all ages
is essential to sustainable development.
Goal 4: Quality Education- Obtaining a quality education is the foundation to improving people’s lives and
sustainable development.
Goal 5: Gender Equality- Gender equality is not only a fundamental human right, but a necessary foundation
for a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable world.
Goal 6: Clean Water And Sanitation- Clean, accessible water for all is an essential part of the world we want
to live in.
Goal 7: Affordable And Clean Energy- Energy is central to nearly every major challenge and opportunity.
Goal 8: Decent Work And Economic Growth- Sustainable economic growth will require societies to create
the conditions that allow people to have quality jobs.
Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, And Infrastructure- Investments in infrastructure are crucial to achieving
sustainable development.
GOAL 10: Reduced Inequalities- To reduce inequalities, policies should be universal in principle, paying
attention to the needs of disadvantaged and marginalized populations.
Goal 11: Sustainable Cities And Communities- There needs to be a future in which cities provide
opportunities for all, with access to basic services, energy, housing, transportation and more.
Goal 12: Responsible Consumption And Production- Worldwide consumption and production — a driving
force of the global economy — rest on the use of the natural environment and resources in a way that continues
to have destructive impacts on the planet.
Goal 13: Climate Action- Climate change is a global challenge that affects everyone, everywhere.
Goal 14: Life Below Water- Careful management of this essential global resource is a key feature of a
sustainable future.
Goal 15: Life On Land- Sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation,
halt biodiversity loss
Goal 16: Peace, Justice And Strong Institutions- Access to justice for all, and building effective, accountable
institutions at all levels.
Goal 17: Partnerships- Revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development.
IV- Self- Test
1. Economic growth must be inclusive to provide sustainable jobs and promote equality.
a. Goal 1 b. Goal 2
c. Goal 3 d. Goal 4
2. The food and agriculture sector offers key solutions for development, and is central for hunger and poverty
eradication.
a. Goal 1 b. Goal 2
c. Goal 3 d. Goal 4
3. Ensuring healthy lives and promoting the well-being for all at all ages is essential to sustainable development.
a. Goal 1 b. Goal 2
c. Goal 3 d. Goal 4
4. Obtaining a quality education is the foundation to improving people’s lives and sustainable development.
a. Goal 1 b. Goal 2
c. Goal 3 d. Goal 4
5. Good Health And Well-Being
a. Goal 1 b. Goal 2
c. Goal 3 d. Goal 4

B. The Seven Environmental Principles

The seven environmental principles are very basic yet multifaceted, simple but striking, as well as meaningful
and evocative. It’s like reading the book of Robert Fulghum on “All I really need to know I learned in
Kindergarten”. The theme seems so elementary, however, the essence and practice is universal, unfortunately,
misguidedly followed by many of us.
The Seven (7) Environmental Principles
1. Nature knows best
One natural process that needs serious attention is nutrient cycling. In nature, nutrients pass from the
environment to the organisms and back to the environment. Any disruption in the cycle can bring about
imbalance. Our nature knows everything. Sometimes, it knows what is best for us.
2. All forms of life are important
Each organism plays a fundamental role in nature. Since such occupational or functional position, otherwise
known as niche, cannot be simultaneously occupied by more than one specie, it is apparent that all living things
must be considered as invaluable in the maintenance of homeostasis in the ecosystem.
3. Everything is connected to everything else
This principle is best exemplified by the concept of the ecosystem. In an ecosystem, all biotic and amniotic
components interact with each other to ensure that the system is perpetuated. Any outside interference may
result in an imbalance and the deterioration of the system.4
4. Everything changes
It is said that the only permanent thing is change. Our world is constantly changing and nothing is permanent
anymore. Even each day humans try to change their living to fit in to the world.5
 5. Everything must go somewhere
When a piece of paper is thrown away, it disappears from sight but it does not cease to exist. It ends up
elsewhere. Everything goes somewhere and nothing goes nothing it has its own way to go.
6. Ours is a finite earth
Just how long would the earth be able to sustain demands on its resources? This is a question that needs serious
reflection. Unless the factors of population growth, lifestyles, and polluting technologies are checked, the
collapse of the earth might be inevitable.
7. Nature is beautiful and we are stewards of God's creation
Among all creatures, humans are the only ones made in God’s image and have been given the right to have
dominion over all His creations. Being the most intelligent and gifted with reason, humans are capable of
manipulating creation to their own advantage. We are made not to rule the world but to help the world. Humans
are God's creation and we need to take care of everything.

IV- Self- Test

1. Each organism plays a fundamental role in nature.
a. Nature knows best
b. All forms of life are important
c. Everything is connected to everything else
d. Everything changes
2. One natural process that needs serious attention is nutrient cycling.
a. Nature knows best
b. All forms of life are important
c. Everything is connected to everything else
d. Everything changes
3. In nature, nutrients pass from the environment to the organisms and back to the environment.
a. Nature knows best
b. All forms of life are important
c. Everything is connected to everything else
d. Everything changes
4. Since such occupational or functional position, otherwise known as niche, cannot be simultaneously occupied
by more than one specie, it is apparent that all living things must be considered as invaluable in the maintenance
of homeostasis in the ecosystem.
a. Nature knows best
b. All forms of life are important
c. Everything is connected to everything else
d. Everything changes
5. Any disruption in the cycle can bring about imbalance. Our nature knows everything. Sometimes, it knows
what is best for us.
a. Nature knows best
b. All forms of life are important
c. Everything is connected to everything else
d. Everything changes
V- Learning Activity
INSTRUCTION: (Group work) Present teaching strategies showcasing the positive use of ICT to
promote learners’ digital literacy.
RUBRIC FOR TEACHING STRATEGIES SHOWCASING THE POSITIVE USE OF ICT

VI. Assessment / Reflection

INSTRUCTION: Write a reflection based on the film viewed from youtube about environmental
problems in the Philippines
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
VII. Feedback / Comment
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
VIII. Post -Test on 4F. Eco-Literacy
A. Eco-literacy and sustainable development
B. The Seven Environmental Principles

1. Living systems are open, self-organizing systems that have the special characteristic of life and that interact
with their environment through information and material-energy exchanges.
a. Principles of Living Systems
b. Design inspired by Nature
c. Systems thinking
d. Ecological Paradigm
2. A system is a set of interdependent, interrelated parts that make up a complex and unified whole, it cannot be
fully understood by analyzing its constituent parts.
a. Principles of Living Systems
b. Design inspired by Nature
c. Systems thinking
d. Ecological Paradigm
3. It involves examining and emulating natural models, systems, processes, and elements in order to solve
human problems.
a. Principles of Living Systems
b. Design inspired by Nature
c. Systems thinking
d. Ecological Paradigm
4. A worldview that places humans as embedded in ecological systems rather than perceived as separate, and
that recognizes that there are global constraints to the amount of resources we can use and waste we can
produce on a finite Earth.
a. Principles of Living Systems
b. Design inspired by Nature
c. Systems thinking
d. Ecological Paradigm
5. The ability to associate, create links, draw on collective distributed intelligence of many individuals is part of
ecoliteracy.
a. Principles of Living Systems
b. Design inspired by Nature
c. Systems thinking
d. Collaboration
6. Most credible websites will list contact information such as a telephone number, an email address, or a
mailing address so that users may get in touch if they have questions.
 a. Principles of Living Systems
b. Design inspired by Nature
c. Systems thinking
d. Collaboration
7. Sustainable economic growth will require societies to create the conditions that allow people to have quality
jobs.
a. Goal 5 b. Goal 6
c. Goal 7 d. Goal 8
8. Clean, accessible water for all is an essential part of the world we want to live in.
a. Goal 5 b. Goal 6
c. Goal 7 d. Goal 8
9. Energy is central to nearly every major challenge and opportunity.
a. Goal 5 b. Goal 6
c. Goal 7 d. Goal 8
10. Gender equality is not only a fundamental human right, but a necessary foundation for a peaceful,
prosperous and sustainable world.
a. Goal 5 b. Goal 6
c. Goal 7 d. Goal 8
11. Investments in infrastructure are crucial to achieving sustainable development.
a. Goal 9 b. Goal 10
c. Goal 11 d. Goal 12
12. To reduce inequalities, policies should be universal in principle, paying attention to the needs of
disadvantaged and marginalized populations.
a. Goal 9 b. Goal 10
c. Goal 11 d. Goal 12
13. There needs to be a future in which cities provide opportunities for all, with access to basic services, energy,
housing, transportation and more.
a. Goal 9 b. Goal 10
c. Goal 11 d. Goal 12
14. Worldwide consumption and production — rest on the use of the natural environment and resources in a
way that continues to have destructive impacts on the planet.
a. Goal 9 b. Goal 10
c. Goal 11 d. Goal 12
15. Access to justice for all, and building effective, accountable institutions at all levels.
a. Goal 13 b. Goal 14
c. Goal 15 d. Goal 16
16. Sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation, halt biodiversity loss
a. Goal 13 b. Goal 14
c. Goal 15 d. Goal 16
17. Careful management of this essential global resource is a key feature of a sustainable future.
a. Goal 13 b. Goal 14
c. Goal 15 d. Goal 16
18. Climate change is a global challenge that affects everyone, everywhere.
a. Goal 13 b. Goal 14
c. Goal 15 d. Goal 16
19. Revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development.
a. Goal 17 b. Goal 18
c. Goal 19 d. Goal 20
20. This is a question that needs serious reflection. Unless the factors of population growth, lifestyles, and
polluting technologies are checked, the collapse of the earth might be inevitable.
a. Ours is a finite earth
b. All forms of life are important
c. Everything is connected to everything else
d. Everything changes

IX- Referrences:
https://www.definitions.net/definition/ecological+literacy
https://www.slideshare.net/enriccalvet/ecological-
literacy#:~:text=Ecological%20literacy%20asks%20what%20people,with%20future%20generations%20in%20mind.

https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/sustainable-development-goals/

https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/energy/

http://slawyers.blogspot.com/2010/05/7-environmental-principles.html

https://www.wetlands.ph/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Handout-1_Module-1-The-Seven-Environmental-Principles.pdf

https://www.scribd.com/document/421371799/The-Seven-Environmental-Principles