Forest Fires, Animal Sacrifices, and School Garden: Local Contexts at the Intersection of Sustainability and Implemented Science Curriculum in Indonesia

The aim of this chapter is to introduce literature review and case studies about how a local context is at the intersection between sustainability and implemented science curriculum. The cases were gathered through semi-structured interviews of participating in-service Indonesian science teachers (N = 21). Most participants were unfamiliar with the concept of sustainability. However, they expressed optimism for their integration into the implemented science curriculum after receiving an explanation of the concepts. Examining participants’ strategies for integrating sustainability into science curricula revealed three approaches. First approach, waste management activities were apparent in excerpts about coconut fiber for water filtration and eco-bricks made of plastic trash. The second approach, nature study, was demonstrated in a field trip to a nearby lake and a biodiversity survey of the schoolyard. The third approach, cultural study, is illustrated in two instances during the discussion of indigenous practices: the tradition of forest burning and animal sacrifices. Cases included in this study can be used a reference for future implementation of local sustainability context in science education.