Term
Summer 2026
Capstone
Capstone Project
Degree Name
MAED: NSEE
Facilitator(s)
Karen Moroz
Content Expert
Valerie Jeffery
Abstract
Place-based environmental education offers rich opportunities for family engagement, yet children’s literature remains an underutilized tool in supporting these outdoor experiences. Grounded in Vygotsky’s social constructivism theory and place-based pedagogy, this research capstone examines how children’s literature and place-based learning experiences can support environmental education for families visiting Minnesota State Parks. To address the gap, this project presents a ten-unit family guide focused on specific state parks, with introductory information for new visitors. Utilizing Minnesota Department of Natural Resources materials and local library collections, this project combines purposeful family activities with meaningful anchor texts. Each unit includes a guiding environmental question, an anchor text with discussion prompts and vocabulary, and flexible before-, during-, and after-visit activities. A supplementary text list is also provided. The activities and texts are adaptable to local green spaces or backyards if necessary, effectively lowering barriers to nature exploration for families with varying levels of comfort and experience in the outdoors. The goal of the project is to foster curiosity, observational skills, and environmental literacy in young children while encouraging family engagement and environmental stewardship. Ultimately, this family guide demonstrates the value of accessible, no-cost educational resources to promote equitable outdoor recreation for all.
Project Type
Field Guide Project
Keywords
Environmental Studies, Environmental Education, Family Engagement, Children's Literature
Recommended Citation
Kasprzak, Taylor, "From Pages to Parks: Connecting Children’s Literature and Place-Based Learning for Family Environmental Education in Minnesota State Parks" (2026). School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Projects. 1224.
https://digitalcommons.hamline.edu/hse_cp/1224
dc_type
text
dc_publisher
DigitalCommons@Hamline
dc_format
application/pdf
dc_source
School of Education Student Capstone Projects