Environmental Education
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Nature Deficit
Today's children are suffering what Richard Louv calls "nature deficit disorder". This disorder is the consequence of lacking interaction with nature, which resluts in increased stress, child obesity, mental health problems, attention difficulties, diminishes use of senses, and a lack of appreciation for the natural world.
As Louv states:
“…As human beings, we need direct, natural experiences; we require fully activated senses in order to feel fully alive. Twenty-first Western culture accepts the view that because of omnipresent technology we are awash in data. But in this information age, vital information is missing. Nature is about smelling, hearing, tasting, seeing…” (p. 57).
Nature into Science
Nature can easily be incorporated into science education. Science lessons can often be conducted outdoors as students interact with the natural environment. Investigating decomposition, seed germination, plant growth, leaf color changes, etc., can be great opportunities for children to make observations of the natural world.
Nature in Language Arts
Going outdoors to observe the natural world can prompt inspiration for poetry or writing response. Reading books about nature and the environment can easily teach children about the world and how people need to, for example, take care of it.
Nature in Physical Education
Simply going outside to the local park, or playing soccer in the school field allows students to interact with nature. Being exposed to sunlight and running outside to experience the winds and weather can help children understand mother nature in a physical way. Children may come across animals or different plants when outside and even if they're simply running around, their curiosity will prompt learning.
Resources:
Louv, R. 2005. Last child in the woods: Saving our children from nature-deficit disorder. Chapel Hill, NC: Algonquin Books.
Today's children are suffering what Richard Louv calls "nature deficit disorder". This disorder is the consequence of lacking interaction with nature, which resluts in increased stress, child obesity, mental health problems, attention difficulties, diminishes use of senses, and a lack of appreciation for the natural world.
As Louv states:
“…As human beings, we need direct, natural experiences; we require fully activated senses in order to feel fully alive. Twenty-first Western culture accepts the view that because of omnipresent technology we are awash in data. But in this information age, vital information is missing. Nature is about smelling, hearing, tasting, seeing…” (p. 57).
Nature into Science
Nature can easily be incorporated into science education. Science lessons can often be conducted outdoors as students interact with the natural environment. Investigating decomposition, seed germination, plant growth, leaf color changes, etc., can be great opportunities for children to make observations of the natural world.
Nature in Language Arts
Going outdoors to observe the natural world can prompt inspiration for poetry or writing response. Reading books about nature and the environment can easily teach children about the world and how people need to, for example, take care of it.
Nature in Physical Education
Simply going outside to the local park, or playing soccer in the school field allows students to interact with nature. Being exposed to sunlight and running outside to experience the winds and weather can help children understand mother nature in a physical way. Children may come across animals or different plants when outside and even if they're simply running around, their curiosity will prompt learning.
Resources:
Louv, R. 2005. Last child in the woods: Saving our children from nature-deficit disorder. Chapel Hill, NC: Algonquin Books.