Term
Spring 2026
Capstone
Capstone Project
Facilitator(s)
Julia Reimer
Content Expert
Nicole Salgado,
Abstract
Children are spending less time outdoors and feeling increasingly disconnected from the natural world. This reduced exposure and lack of interaction limits opportunities to form early connections with nature, which have lasting benefits into adulthood. Nature-based learning approaches have been proven to increase a sense of nature connectedness, which in turn strengthens one’s environmental attitudes and behaviors while supporting mental health and well-being. To address limited access to nature-based learning experiences in Central Mexico, this capstone draws from research on nature connectedness, nature-based learning, and nature center design to answer the question, How can a nature-based learning center be designed to effectively increase a sense of nature connectedness among youth in central Mexico? The result is a comprehensive proposal for a nature center intended for presentation to donors and prospective stakeholders.
Project Type
Nature Center Proposal
Keywords
Early Childhood, Environmental Studies, International Teaching
Recommended Citation
Tennis, Mikaela, "Rooted In Wonder: Cultivating A Connection To The Environment Through Nature-Based Learning In Central Mexico" (2026). School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Projects. 1186.
https://digitalcommons.hamline.edu/hse_cp/1186
Type
text
Publisher
Hamline University
Format
application/pdf
Source
School of Education Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations at Hamline University