A look from the eco-schools in a school group in Setúbal, Portugal focused on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Abstract

This work constitutes a component of postdoctoral research associated with the clustering of AEBA schools in Setúbal. It serves as a case study that documents the design and implementation of a project centred around the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically focusing on Eco Schools. The overarching theme of this work aligns with the “Challenges of STS Education and the 2030 Agenda Goals.” The primary objectives include addressing the following inquiries: Is education, in its current form, a hindrance or a contributor to sustainability? What type of learning should be fostered in different contexts to foster a more sustainable world? What exactly are Eco Schools? The SDGs aim to encourage widespread adoption of an ecocentric perspective among the general population to safeguard all of humanity on equitable terms. The challenge is substantial, requiring the unlearning of entrenched pedagogical and didactic concepts. The goal is to impart students with a profound comprehension of the global state of the Earth, the dynamics between humans and nature, and the resultant issues and their underlying causes. The progression of educational and scientific activities is examined within the framework of the AEBA Eco Schools project and its influence on learning. Both students and parents value the early addressing of ecological concerns and the promotion of a more sustainable world. Students engage in reflections on socio-environmental issues and the interconnectedness of society, economy, and nature, propelling the generation of solutions.