EDER 689.14 Theoretical & Conceptual Underpinnings
This course will introduce the theoretical and research supported arguments that advocate for greater integration of outdoor experiences in school programs or educational programming. The students will begin to explore a variety of concepts and activities that meet Alberta Education Programs of Study requirements and yet connect students closer to the natural environment.
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Research Support
American Society for Microbiology. (2010, May 25). Can bacteria make you smarter?. Science Daily. Retrieved July 15, 2015
Amy Gregg (2009) Journal Assignments for Student Reflections on Outdoor Programs, Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance, 80:4, 30-47, DOI: 10.1080/07303084.2009.10598308
Boud, D., & Keogh, R. (1985). Chapter 4 Debriefing in Experienced-based Learning. In Reflection, turning experience into learning. London: Kogan Page 70:71.
Get the Dirt on Dirt - National Wildlife Federation. (n.d.). Retrieved July 12, 2015.
Health Benefits of Nature - Spending Time Outside. (n.d.). Retrieved July 11, 2015.
Immerse Yourself in a Forest for Better Health. (n.d.). Retrieved July 12, 2015.
Kelly, T. (2011, October 24). Child's Eyesight Linked With Outdoor Play, Study Finds. Retrieved July 15, 2015.
Louv, R. (2005). Last child in the woods: Saving our children from nature-deficit disorder. Chapel Hill, NC: Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill.
Martin, K. PhD. (n.d) Putting Nature back into Nurture: The Benefits of Nature for Children. A Literature Review. Prepared for: The Department of Sport and Recreation, Government of Western Australia. The University of Western Australia, karen.ma
Ministerial Order on Student Learning. (2013, May 6). Retrieved July 11, 2015.
National Environmental Education Foundation | Children and Nature Initiative. (n.d.). Retrieved July 11, 2015.
Simon Priest (1986) Redefining Outdoor Education: A Matter of Many Relationships, The Journal of Environmental Education, 17:3, 13-15, DOI: 10.1080/00958964.1986.9941413
Three E`s of Education. (n.d.). Retrieved July 11, 2015.
Time Outdoors May Help Kids Connect With Nature. (2014, May 14). Retrieved July 12, 2015.
Wolch, J., Jerrett, M., Reynolds, K., McConnell , R., Chang, R., Dahmann, N., Brady, K., Gilliand, F., Su, J. G., Berhane, K., (2011). Childhood obesity and proximity to urban parks and recreational resources: A longitudinal cohort study. Health & Place, 17, 207-214.
4 Secrets to Never Getting Sick. (n.d.). Retrieved July 27, 2015.
100 Reasons to Spend 1000 Hours Outside - 1000 Hours Outside. (2015, January 21). Retrieved July 15, 2015.
Amy Gregg (2009) Journal Assignments for Student Reflections on Outdoor Programs, Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance, 80:4, 30-47, DOI: 10.1080/07303084.2009.10598308
Boud, D., & Keogh, R. (1985). Chapter 4 Debriefing in Experienced-based Learning. In Reflection, turning experience into learning. London: Kogan Page 70:71.
Get the Dirt on Dirt - National Wildlife Federation. (n.d.). Retrieved July 12, 2015.
Health Benefits of Nature - Spending Time Outside. (n.d.). Retrieved July 11, 2015.
Immerse Yourself in a Forest for Better Health. (n.d.). Retrieved July 12, 2015.
Kelly, T. (2011, October 24). Child's Eyesight Linked With Outdoor Play, Study Finds. Retrieved July 15, 2015.
Louv, R. (2005). Last child in the woods: Saving our children from nature-deficit disorder. Chapel Hill, NC: Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill.
Martin, K. PhD. (n.d) Putting Nature back into Nurture: The Benefits of Nature for Children. A Literature Review. Prepared for: The Department of Sport and Recreation, Government of Western Australia. The University of Western Australia, karen.ma
Ministerial Order on Student Learning. (2013, May 6). Retrieved July 11, 2015.
National Environmental Education Foundation | Children and Nature Initiative. (n.d.). Retrieved July 11, 2015.
Simon Priest (1986) Redefining Outdoor Education: A Matter of Many Relationships, The Journal of Environmental Education, 17:3, 13-15, DOI: 10.1080/00958964.1986.9941413
Three E`s of Education. (n.d.). Retrieved July 11, 2015.
Time Outdoors May Help Kids Connect With Nature. (2014, May 14). Retrieved July 12, 2015.
Wolch, J., Jerrett, M., Reynolds, K., McConnell , R., Chang, R., Dahmann, N., Brady, K., Gilliand, F., Su, J. G., Berhane, K., (2011). Childhood obesity and proximity to urban parks and recreational resources: A longitudinal cohort study. Health & Place, 17, 207-214.
4 Secrets to Never Getting Sick. (n.d.). Retrieved July 27, 2015.
100 Reasons to Spend 1000 Hours Outside - 1000 Hours Outside. (2015, January 21). Retrieved July 15, 2015.
Pursuit of wellness… Promote healthy living (non traditional exercise)
Not only does escaping into the fresh air give you a break from all those germs circulating inside, but going for a stroll can actually boost your immunity. "Exercise leads to an increase in natural killer cells, neutrophils, and monocytes, which ultimately increases immune function," says Ather Ali, ND, MPH, assistant director of Complementary/Alternative Medicine Research at the Yale-Griffin Prevention Research Centre. - Health.com Article Link
Immerse Yourself in a Forest for Better Health
Research is showing that visiting a forest has real, quantifiable health benefits, both mental and physical. Even five minutes around trees or in green spaces may improve health. Think of it as a prescription with no negative side effects that's also free. Using the Profile of Mood States test, researchers found that time amidst nature significantly decreased the scores for anxiety, depression, anger, confusion and fatigue. – Article Link
When we let our kids play in dirt we're not only allowing them to explore the wonders around them, we are also exposing them to healthy bacteria, parasites, and viruses that will inevitably create a much stronger immune system! Article Link - Get the Dirt on Dirt
Children who spent a lot of time outdoors expressed feelings of peacefulness, happiness and a sense of belonging in the world, the investigators reported in a recent issue of the Journal of the Study of Religion, Nature and Culture. Article Link
Nature's Touch: 5 Ways to Boost Your Health by Going Outside - Cristina Tudino - Research has found that just looking at a natural scene activates parts of the brain associated with balance and happiness. Article Link
Going outside—even in the cold—improves memory, attention - A 2008 study at the University of Michigan found that memory performance and attention spans improved by 20 percent after subjects spent an hour in nature. Article Link
Recent studies find that kids who get outdoor time have less nearsightedness and need for eyeglasses. After examining eight studies with a total of 10,400 participants on outdoor time and myopia in children and adolescents, Dr. Scherwin and his team found that the chance of myopia dropped by 2 percent for each additional hour spent outdoors per week. Article Link
Childhood obesity and proximity to urban parks and recreational resources: A longitudinal cohort study - Access to parks and recreation programs decrease risk of being overweight or obese at age 18. Article Link
Putting nature back into nurture A literature review finding that increased contact with nature is associated with positive attributes of children’s health, behaviour and learning. Article Link
Bringing the gentle reminder that nature play is always worth the investment of your family time. It’s value extends into all facets of childhood development and beyond. 100 reasons to spend 1000 hours outside - A Blog about getting kids outside with research to back it up. Article Link
You are likely to ingest or breathe in Mycobacterium vaccae (a natural soil bacterium) when you spend time in nature which may help decrease anxiety and improve the ability to learn new tasks.
Exposure to specific bacteria in the environment, already believed to have antidepressant qualities, could increase learning behavior, according to research presented at the 110th General Meeting of the American Society for Microbiology in San Diego. "Mycobacterium vaccae is a natural soil bacterium which people likely ingest or breath in when they spend time in nature," says Dorothy Matthews of The Sage Colleges in Troy, New York, who conducted the research with her colleague Susan Jenks. Article Link
Children and Nature Initiative - Rx for Outdoor Activity
NEEF’s Children and Nature Initiative: Rx for Outdoor Activity aims to prevent serious health conditions like obesity and diabetes related to indoor sedentary lifestyles and connects children and their families to nature to promote good health, enjoyment, and environmental stewardship. Research indicates that unstructured outdoor activities may improve physical and mental health by increasing physical activity, reducing stress, and serving as a support mechanism for attention disorders. Article Link
Yet, at the very moment that the bond is breaking between the young and the natural world, a growing body of research links our mental, physical, and spiritual health directly to our association with nature—in positive ways. (Louv, p. 3)
Not only does escaping into the fresh air give you a break from all those germs circulating inside, but going for a stroll can actually boost your immunity. "Exercise leads to an increase in natural killer cells, neutrophils, and monocytes, which ultimately increases immune function," says Ather Ali, ND, MPH, assistant director of Complementary/Alternative Medicine Research at the Yale-Griffin Prevention Research Centre. - Health.com Article Link
Immerse Yourself in a Forest for Better Health
Research is showing that visiting a forest has real, quantifiable health benefits, both mental and physical. Even five minutes around trees or in green spaces may improve health. Think of it as a prescription with no negative side effects that's also free. Using the Profile of Mood States test, researchers found that time amidst nature significantly decreased the scores for anxiety, depression, anger, confusion and fatigue. – Article Link
When we let our kids play in dirt we're not only allowing them to explore the wonders around them, we are also exposing them to healthy bacteria, parasites, and viruses that will inevitably create a much stronger immune system! Article Link - Get the Dirt on Dirt
Children who spent a lot of time outdoors expressed feelings of peacefulness, happiness and a sense of belonging in the world, the investigators reported in a recent issue of the Journal of the Study of Religion, Nature and Culture. Article Link
Nature's Touch: 5 Ways to Boost Your Health by Going Outside - Cristina Tudino - Research has found that just looking at a natural scene activates parts of the brain associated with balance and happiness. Article Link
Going outside—even in the cold—improves memory, attention - A 2008 study at the University of Michigan found that memory performance and attention spans improved by 20 percent after subjects spent an hour in nature. Article Link
Recent studies find that kids who get outdoor time have less nearsightedness and need for eyeglasses. After examining eight studies with a total of 10,400 participants on outdoor time and myopia in children and adolescents, Dr. Scherwin and his team found that the chance of myopia dropped by 2 percent for each additional hour spent outdoors per week. Article Link
Childhood obesity and proximity to urban parks and recreational resources: A longitudinal cohort study - Access to parks and recreation programs decrease risk of being overweight or obese at age 18. Article Link
Putting nature back into nurture A literature review finding that increased contact with nature is associated with positive attributes of children’s health, behaviour and learning. Article Link
Bringing the gentle reminder that nature play is always worth the investment of your family time. It’s value extends into all facets of childhood development and beyond. 100 reasons to spend 1000 hours outside - A Blog about getting kids outside with research to back it up. Article Link
You are likely to ingest or breathe in Mycobacterium vaccae (a natural soil bacterium) when you spend time in nature which may help decrease anxiety and improve the ability to learn new tasks.
Exposure to specific bacteria in the environment, already believed to have antidepressant qualities, could increase learning behavior, according to research presented at the 110th General Meeting of the American Society for Microbiology in San Diego. "Mycobacterium vaccae is a natural soil bacterium which people likely ingest or breath in when they spend time in nature," says Dorothy Matthews of The Sage Colleges in Troy, New York, who conducted the research with her colleague Susan Jenks. Article Link
Children and Nature Initiative - Rx for Outdoor Activity
NEEF’s Children and Nature Initiative: Rx for Outdoor Activity aims to prevent serious health conditions like obesity and diabetes related to indoor sedentary lifestyles and connects children and their families to nature to promote good health, enjoyment, and environmental stewardship. Research indicates that unstructured outdoor activities may improve physical and mental health by increasing physical activity, reducing stress, and serving as a support mechanism for attention disorders. Article Link
Yet, at the very moment that the bond is breaking between the young and the natural world, a growing body of research links our mental, physical, and spiritual health directly to our association with nature—in positive ways. (Louv, p. 3)