Weston High School · Science Department
Sustainable Living
A hands-on, project-based course where students connect learning to real action on campus and in the community.
3 hrs community action per quarter
Course Overview
Sustainable Living is built around doing. Students explore practical sustainability topics through projects on our campus and in our town, with a focus on collaboration, problem-solving, and making a positive environmental impact.
Campus & Community Stewardship
Taking care of the spaces we share and finding ways to make our school and town more sustainable.
Gardens & Food Systems
Growing vegetables, herbs, and native plants while learning where food comes from and how it connects to the environment.
Recycling & Waste Reduction
Improving recycling systems, reducing contamination, and exploring ways to cut down on waste at school and home.
Composting
Turning food scraps and organic material into useful compost that supports healthier soil and less landfill waste.
Pollinator & Habitat Stewardship
Caring for pollinator gardens and habitats that support bees, butterflies, birds, and other wildlife on campus.
Invasive Species Management
Identifying and removing invasive plants to protect native ecosystems around our school and community.
Beekeeping
Learning about honeybee health, hive care, and the important role pollinators play in our food system.
Conservation
Exploring practical ways to protect natural resources and support healthier ecosystems.
Sustainable Design & Build
Planning and building small projects that support wildlife, reduce waste, or make everyday systems more sustainable.
Community Environmental Initiatives
Connecting classroom learning to local events and actions that bring the community together around sustainability.
A Year in Sustainable Living
The course follows the rhythm of the school year and the seasons. Specific projects shift depending on weather, campus needs, available resources, and student interests.
FallCampus Stewardship & Seasonal Launch
Fall work may include tending gardens, managing recycling and composting systems, caring for pollinator habitat, removing invasive species, and launching seasonal initiatives such as the Daffodil Trail fundraiser and the recycling billboard contest.
WinterPlanning, Design & Indoor Growing
Winter is a time for planning and building. Students may work on sustainability plans, design and build small habitat structures, start indoor seedlings, and prepare for spring events such as Ecofest and the BioBlitz.
SpringOutdoor Action & Community Events
Spring may include garden planting and maintenance, beekeeping and pollinator care, continued recycling and composting, and community events such as Ecofest and the spring BioBlitz.
Community Action
A core expectation of the course is completing 3 hours of community action per quarter. This gives students a chance to contribute directly to sustainability efforts beyond the classroom.
Signature Events
Two larger community activities anchor the year: Ecofest, a sustainability celebration with student-led stations and activities, and the spring BioBlitz, a community effort to observe and document local biodiversity.
Ongoing Learning
Throughout the year, students have opportunities to investigate sustainability topics, share what they learn, reflect on their progress, and contribute to ongoing campus and community efforts.
A note on flexibility: Sustainable Living is designed to be responsive to the seasons, our campus, and opportunities within the community. Specific projects and activities may evolve throughout the year based on student interests, environmental conditions, available resources, and community needs.
Questions about the course?
Students and families are welcome to reach out any time, or browse classroom resources and materials.