Term
Fall 2019
Capstone
Capstone Project
Degree Name
MAED: NSEE
Facilitator(s)
Jennifer Carlson
Content Expert
John A. Vass
Abstract
This paper examines the positive impact that spending time in the natural world has on students. In reviewing the history of environmental education in the United States, the importance of nature on human development, and the impact that journaling and reflective thought processes have in education, this capstone sought to expand upon the research and encourage using nature journals to affect children’s perceptions of the natural world and their place within it. While journaling can facilitate communication, self-expression and personal development, it is also a way to enhance learning by connecting background knowledge to new information, analyzing and synthesizing ideas and experiences before and after instruction occurs, and improving deductive and inductive reasoning skills. Using this technique to improve learning in an outdoor setting also produces the desired outcome of building connections between students and the natural world. This in turn empowers students to become good stewards of the planet and to know that they have a part to play in alleviating the harmful effects of our current climate crisis.
Project Type
Field Guide Project
Keywords
Environmental Studies, Reflective Practice, Science
Recommended Citation
Anderson, Carol L., "A Better Understanding Through the Use of the Nature Journal" (2019). School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Projects. 414.
https://digitalcommons.hamline.edu/hse_cp/414
dc_type
text
dc_publisher
DigitalCommons@Hamline
dc_format
application/pdf
dc_source
School of Education Student Capstone Projects