Restoring the nature-child connection

Term

2008

Capstone

Thesis

Degree Name

MAEd

Abstract

The research question addressed in this capstone is: What would a quality, after school, outdoor enrichment program designed for middle school students look like? Children are spending less time outside and are losing their connections with nature. This has also led to a loss of respect and feelings of apathy for the environment. Whether it's called nature-deficit disorder, extinction of experience, or biophilia this phenomenon is occurring throughout the country. The author develops a curriculum for use in the public school that provides students with opportunities to develop new relationships with the outdoors. The driving force behind this project is a book by Richard Louv entitled Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder. Louv's research shows that spending time in nature improves physical and mental health. This curriculum is intended to restore the connection between nature and children.

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