If you help children connect with their environment and community, add your voice here: 2026 Census of Community-Based Environmental Learning

The Sustainability Compass

Videos

Grades9, 10, 11, 12, APBiology, Economics

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Provided by Auburn University Office of Sustainability
Open Resource

What it is

  • This video describes the sustainability compass, which is a way to visualize the four pillars of sustainability: nature (North), economy (East), society (South), and wellbeing (West).

Teaching tips

Positives

  • The video is short and easy to follow.
  • It provides a visual way of learning about the sustainability compass.

Additional Prerequisites

  • It should serve as a supplement to other lesson materials.

Differentiation

  • This can be used as an opportunity to introduce the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
  • Students can brainstorm ways to be more sustainable individually, as a school, and as a community.
  • This video relates to the concept of doughnut economics which can be further explored in this video, this webinar, or this activity.

From the scientist review

Students can learn how to live within the limits of the natural world. The resource provides great insights into sustainability. It is recommended for teaching.
How we review resources

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Hosted on sustain.auburn.edu

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