http://www.eenorthcarolina.org Stay up-to-date on interesting research and articles that have been published in the field of environmental education. en-us Copyright 2008 - NC Office of Environmental Education sarah.yelton@ncdenr.gov (Sarah Yelton) 40 http://www.peecworks.org/PEEC/PEEC_Research/S03CB4BC4-03CB558E Tue, 09 Jun 2009 14:56:00 EST http://www.peecworks.org/PEEC/PEEC_Research/S03CB4BC4-03CB558E http://www.oecd.org/document/22/0,3343,en_32252351_32236191_42466966_1_1_1_1,00.html Tue, 07 Jul 2009 16:45 EST http://www.oecd.org/document/22/0,3343,en_32252351_32236191_42466966_1_1_1_1,00.html http://www.peecworks.org/PEEC/PEEC_Research/S03DFD1F6-03DFD369 McBeth, B., Hungerford, H., Marcinkowski, T., Volk, T., and Meyers, R. (2008). National environmental literacy assessment project; Year 1, national baseline study of middle grades students: Final research project. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce; and North American Association of Environmental Education: Grant # NA06SEC4690009. Tue, 07 Jul 2009 17:04 EST http://www.peecworks.org/PEEC/PEEC_Research/S03DFD1F6-03DFD369 http://happydays.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/09/02/let-the-children-play-some-more/?emc=eta1 "For most American children in the not-so-distant past, “going out to play” was the norm. Today, according to a University of Michigan study, children spend 50 percent less time outside than they did just 20 years ago — and the 6.5 hours a day they spend with electronic media means that sitting in front of a screen has replaced going out." Tue, 09 Sep 2009 15:17 EST http://happydays.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/09/02/let-the-children-play-some-more/?emc=eta1 http://www.educationworld.com/a_issues/issues/issues180.shtml The pressure for schools to improve student test scores is so intense that some are abandoning the childhood treasure of "recess" in lieu of more on-task time. Education World asked educators about recess practices at their schools and the importance of free time for kids to be kids. Tue, 09 Sep 2009 16:00 EST http://www.educationworld.com/a_issues/issues/issues180.shtml http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/01/090126173835.htm The study, published in Pediatrics, suggests that a daily break of 15 minutes or more in the school day may play a role in improving learning, social development, and health in elementary school children. Tue, 09 Sep 2009 16:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/01/090126173835.htm C:\Documents and Settings\N2ED275\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\Content.Outlook\TFU8QTJB\Nature Essential for the Brain Scientists Report - Children Nature Network (CNN).htm "The mind is a limited machine,"says Marc Berman, a psychologist at the University of Michigan and lead author of a new study that measured the cognitive deficits caused by a short urban walk. "And we're beginning to understand the different ways that a city can exceed those limitations." Tue, 09 Sep 2009 16:07 EST C:\Documents and Settings\N2ED275\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\Content.Outlook\TFU8QTJB\Nature Essential for the Brain Scientists Report - Children Nature Network (CNN).htm http://www.journals.uchicago.edu/page/cer/call.html?cookieSet=1 This is a call for manuscripts for a special 2010 issue of the Comparative Education Review, Educators and the Environment: World Lessons for a Sustainable World. The aim of the issue is to present ongoing research while stimulating new understandings of environmental education worldwide. They seek critical assessments of existing model programs and policy initiatives in environmental education and education for sustainable development at the school, local community, national, and international levels. The issue is anticipated to appear in August or November 2010. There is no absolute deadline for submission though manuscripts are being considered now. Fri, 18 Sep 2009 12:40 EST http://www.journals.uchicago.edu/page/cer/call.html?cookieSet=1 http://www.eatsmartmovemorenc.com/ObesityInNC/ObesityInNC.html The North Carolina Obesity Burden Document PDF is Here! The North Carolina Obesity Burden document PDF is now available online! This report aims to assess the prevalence, burden, health risks, related-conditions, behaviors, and costs of the obesity epidemic in North Carolina using surveillance data, peer-reviewed literature, and other source data. Tue, 09 Sep 2009 16:07 EST http://www.eatsmartmovemorenc.com/ObesityInNC/ObesityInNC.html http://www.americantrails.org/resources/kids/CNNresearch07.html Great list of items that can be used in grants, presentations and writings, all with citations. Wed, 30 Sep 2009 11:07 EST http://www.americantrails.org/resources/kids/CNNresearch07.html http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0007367 Direct link to study in PLoS. Mon, 12 Oct 2009 16:38 EST http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0007367 http://www.canada.com/Nature+Nurture/2084059/story.html Enjoying nature is not only a good way to spend time - it also makes you a better person. "Stopping to experience our natural surroundings can have social as well as personal benefits," says Richard Ryan, professor of psychology, psychiatry and education at the University of Rochester in New York State. Mon, 12 Oct 2009 16:47 EST http://www.canada.com/Nature+Nurture/2084059/story.html http://tinyurl.com/y9t8tj5 This report presents the collective recommendations of more than 5000 scientists, engineers, students, and decisionmakers who have participated from 2000-2008 in the annual National Conference on Science, Policy and the Environment convened by the National Council for Science and the Environment (NCSE). It identifies research needed to improve scientific knowledge, and education needed to improve public understanding, professional capacity and a strong workforce. Mon, 02 Nov 2009 16:53 EST http://tinyurl.com/y9t8tj5 http://www.whitehutchinson.com/children/articles/downloads/nurturing.pdf Mon, 02 Nov 2009 17:00 EST http://www.whitehutchinson.com/children/articles/downloads/nurturing.pdf http://www.examiner.com/x-11648-DC-Parenting-Examiner~y2009m10d29-Kids-TVwatching-at-an-eightyear-high Wed, 04 Nov 2009 12:25 EST http://www.examiner.com/x-11648-DC-Parenting-Examiner~y2009m10d29-Kids-TVwatching-at-an-eightyear-high http://tinyurl.com/yk5wagx "Biodiversity loss is a matter of great concern among conservation scientists, but the wherewithal to reverse this trend is generally lacking. One reason is that nearly half of the world’s people live in urban areas and are increasingly disconnected from nature. If there is to be broad-based public support for biodiversity conservation, the placeswhere people live andwork should be designed so as to provide opportunities formeaningful interactions with the natural world." Wed, 04 Nov 2009 12:40 EST http://tinyurl.com/yk5wagx http://www.fs.fed.us/ucf/subject_social.html The US Forest Service has listed seven research studies that directly address the positive effects of natural surroundings on human behavior. Wed, 04 Nov 2009 12:25 EST http://www.fs.fed.us/ucf/subject_social.html http://tinyurl.com/yj9vwbd Injured Fort Bragg soldiers use kayaking as therapy for post-traumatic stress as well as physical injuries. Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:00 EST http://tinyurl.com/yj9vwbd http://tinyurl.com/ylhgaqp Ask the average[UK]child what those scary robots on wheels are on Doctor Who and Daleks is the instant answer. But ask them what that chirping black and white bird is in the garden and most haven't a clue. Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:10 EST http://tinyurl.com/ylhgaqp http://www.ns.umich.edu/htdocs/releases/story.php?id=6892 University of Michigan psychology research in the December issue of Psychological Science explored the cognitive benefits of interacting with nature and found that walking in a park in any season, or even viewing pictures of nature, can help improve memory and attention. Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:33 EST http://www.ns.umich.edu/htdocs/releases/story.php?id=6892 http://www.mammalogy.org/pubjom/OpenAccess/Weigl_2009.pdf This is the text of an oral presentation to recognize receipt of the Joseph Grinnell Award for Excellence in Education in Mammalogy..."In the course of 40 years of university teaching and student advising, as well as field research with students on 5 continents, I too have witnessed this increasing abandonment of the natural world." Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:48 EST http://www.mammalogy.org/pubjom/OpenAccess/Weigl_2009.pdf http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/16/AR2009111602899.html "I've begun hearing about doctors around the country who are medicating their patients with nature in order to prevent (or treat) health problems ranging from heart disease to attention deficit disorder." Tue, 11 Nov 2009 12:50 EST http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/16/AR2009111602899.html http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/2008/aug/03/schools.children A major study says parents harm their children's development if they ban tree-climbing or conkers (do you know what "conkers" is?) Tue, 06 Apr 2010 13:30 EST http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/2008/aug/03/schools.children http://www.childrenandnature.org/news/detail/nature_essential_for_the_brain_scientists_report Tue, 06 Apr 2010 13:30 EST http://www.childrenandnature.org/news/detail/nature_essential_for_the_brain_scientists_report http://nyti.ms/bnR2UC Tue, 06 Apr 2010 13:30 EST http://nyti.ms/bnR2UC http://www.slate.com/id/2224932/ Tue, 06 Apr 2010 13:30 EST http://www.slate.com/id/2224932/ http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/news/20091014/parks-green-spaces-protect-your-health Tue, 06 Apr 2010 13:30 EST http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/news/20091014/parks-green-spaces-protect-your-health http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/stuart_brown_says_play_is_more_than_fun_it_s_vital.html Video on importance of free play for child development and adult health Tue, 06 Apr 2010 13:30 EST http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/stuart_brown_says_play_is_more_than_fun_it_s_vital.html http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1033435/Bird-brained-TV-generation-children-likely-recognise-Dalek-magpie.html#ixzz0kQtnlfiL Wed, 07 Apr 2010 12:30 EST http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1033435/Bird-brained-TV-generation-children-likely-recognise-Dalek-magpie.html#ixzz0kQtnlfiL http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091105201441.htm The study, reported in BioMed Central's open access journal, International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, suggests that inadequate or inappropriate clothing could restrict children's outdoor play. Wed, 07 Apr 2010 12:30 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091105201441.htm http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=11574 This report from the National Academies Press is available for download with a free registration. From page 51: "The body of available research is suggestive of an association between the condition of a school building and student achievement. All of the studies analyzed by the committee found that student test scores improved as the physical condition of school buildings improved. The degree of improvement of students’ test scores varied across the studies, but in all cases students in buildings in better condition scored higher than students in buildings in poor condition." Wed, 07 Apr 2010 12:30 EST http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=11574 http://bit.ly/cnSdfg Exposure to specific bacteria in the environment, already believed to have antidepressant qualities, could increase learning behavior according to research presented today at the 110th General Meeting of the American Society for Microbiology in San Diego. Tue, 01 Jun 2010 14:30 EST http://bit.ly/cnSdfg http://www.yesmagazine.org/yes/yes/for-teachers/teacher-stories/starting-with-place-aka-ula-students-re-define-their-education Vicki Newberry was disheartened by the state of education until she brought a place-based curriculum to the independent middle school she co-founded with Dara Lukonen in Molokai, Hawaii. Now she watches Aka`ula School students thrive as they research and create positive solutions for environmental issues affecting their own community. Tue, 01 Jun 2010 15:30 EST http://www.yesmagazine.org/yes/yes/for-teachers/teacher-stories/starting-with-place-aka-ula-students-re-define-their-education http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/16/AR2009111602899.html Doctor's increasingly prescribing outdoor activity to treat illness. Tue, 01 Jun 2010 15:50 EST http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/16/AR2009111602899.html http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8373690.stm Children should be allowed to get dirty, according to scientists who have found being too clean can impair the skin's ability to heal. Tue, 01 Jun 2010 15:55 EST http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8373690.stm http://birthtothrive.thrivebyfivewa.org/post/2010/01/07/Trees-Matter-Green-Spacious-Playgrounds-Help-Everything-from-Concentration-to-Reasoning.aspx Regular contact with outdoor play can improve everything from a child’s reasoning and coordination to her concentration and self-discipline, according to a summary of research in a Children, Youth and Environments article. Tue, 01 Jun 2010 16:00 EST http://birthtothrive.thrivebyfivewa.org/post/2010/01/07/Trees-Matter-Green-Spacious-Playgrounds-Help-Everything-from-Concentration-to-Reasoning.aspx http://www.kff.org/entmedia/entmedia012010nr.cfm With technology allowing nearly 24-hour media access as children and teens go about their daily lives, the amount of time young people spend with entertainment media has risen dramatically, especially among minority youth, according to a study released today by the Kaiser Family Foundation. Thu, 07 Apr 2010 17:00 EST http://www.kff.org/entmedia/entmedia012010nr.cfm http://www.rwjf.org/pr/product.jsp?id=55249 A growing body of research shows that play is essential to the physical, social and emotional development of kids. But recess tends to be an afterthought when it comes to education policy, and we’ve even seen recess minutes steadily decline as a result. Tue, 01 Jun 2010 17:01 EST http://www.rwjf.org/pr/product.jsp?id=55249 http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8654350.stm Just five minutes of exercise in a "green space" such as a park can boost mental health, researchers claim. Mon, 06 Jun 2010 12:30 EST http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8654350.stm http://educationalissues.suite101.com/article.cfm/environmental-education-increases-academic-achievement Article has good citations of research, includes mention of Issac Dickson Elementary Study in N.C. Tue, 29 Jun 2010 12:31 EST http://educationalissues.suite101.com/article.cfm/environmental-education-increases-academic-achievement http://tinyurl.com/23hyb4m In a series of studies, scientists found that when people swap their concrete confines for a few hours in more natural surroundings — forests, parks and other places with plenty of trees — they experience increased immune function. Thu, 08 Jul 2010 14:30 EST http://tinyurl.com/23hyb4m http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7714950.stm A bit of greenery near our homes can cut the "health gap" between rich and poor, say researchers from two Scottish universities. Wed, 21 Jul 2010 14:30 EST http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7714950.stm http://www.forbes.com/2010/06/22/kids-play-school-jill-vialet-lifestyle-health-recess.html They might be better off putting down their books and heading outside Wed, 21 Jul 2010 14:30 EST http://www.forbes.com/2010/06/22/kids-play-school-jill-vialet-lifestyle-health-recess.html http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8655651.stm Rising rates of obesity among young Americans could undermine the future of the US military, two retired generals have warned. Wed, 21 Jul 2010 14:30 EST http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8655651.stm http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8654350.stm Just five minutes of exercise in a "green space" such as a park can boost mental health, researchers claim. Wed, 21 Jul 2010 14:30 EST http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8654350.stm http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/environment/2010-04-22-EARTH_GreenPlaygrounds22_ST_N.htm BOSTON — The playground of the future is beginning to take shape — and it looks a lot like the backyard of the past. Wed, 21 Jul 2010 14:30 EST http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/environment/2010-04-22-EARTH_GreenPlaygrounds22_ST_N.htm http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10085/1045884-109.stm Pittsburgh schools should tap local businesses, universities and other institutions to enrich their students with a well-rounded education Wed, 21 Jul 2010 14:30 EST http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10085/1045884-109.stm http://www.columbian.com/news/2010/mar/25/the-great-outdoors-nurtured-by-nature-uw-study-sug/ UW study suggests there is no substitute for the real thing Wed, 21 Jul 2010 14:30 EST http://www.columbian.com/news/2010/mar/25/the-great-outdoors-nurtured-by-nature-uw-study-sug/ http://www.connectmidmissouri.com/news/story.aspx?id=427967 COLUMBIA, MO. -- A recent study shows how close you live to a city park plays a part in your physical fitness. Wed, 21 Jul 2010 14:30 EST http://www.connectmidmissouri.com/news/story.aspx?id=427967 http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/2010/03/15/20100315recess-time-not-cut.html Wed, 21 Jul 2010 14:30 EST http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/2010/03/15/20100315recess-time-not-cut.html http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-4002-Green-Living-Examiner~y2010m2d8-Startling-studies-take-kids-outside-or-sentence-them-to-disease-and-shorter-lifespans?cid=sharing_twitter:4002 Wed, 21 Jul 2010 14:30 EST http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-4002-Green-Living-Examiner~y2010m2d8-Startling-studies-take-kids-outside-or-sentence-them-to-disease-and-shorter-lifespans?cid=sharing_twitter:4002 http://www.rwjf.org/pr/product.jsp?id=55249 Recess linked to academic achievement, social development Wed, 21 Jul 2010 14:30 EST http://www.rwjf.org/pr/product.jsp?id=55249 http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/reclaiming-childhood/200906/stop-fretting-about-childrens-play Outdoors, indoors or online: Stop fretting about children's play Wed, 21 Jul 2010 14:30 EST http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/reclaiming-childhood/200906/stop-fretting-about-childrens-play http://news.nurse.com/article/20100726/NY02/107260011 Using a train-the-trainer program that enlists healthcare providers to train their colleagues, the National Environmental Education Foundation recently launched an initiative designed to help pediatric healthcare professionals improve children’s health by “prescribing” outdoor activity. Mon, 26 Jul 2010 14:00 EST http://news.nurse.com/article/20100726/NY02/107260011 http://tinyurl.com/2drpxfx Oak Island, NC doctor involves patients in practice garden, teaches healthy eating. Mon, 26 Jul 2010 14:01 EST http://tinyurl.com/2drpxfx http://hugh.ncsmartstart.org/uncategorized/new-kids-count-report-ranks-north-carolina-37th-in-child-well-being The new Annie E. Casey Foundation KIDS COUNT Data Book ranked North Carolina 37th in child well-being nationwide. The Data Book, released annually, is a state-by-state comparison of ten selected measures of the well-being of America’s children. Tue, 27 Jul 2010 09:30 EST http://hugh.ncsmartstart.org/uncategorized/new-kids-count-report-ranks-north-carolina-37th-in-child-well-being http://www.rhs.org.uk/News/School-gardening-boosts-child-development New research by the Royal Horticultural Society shows for the first time the enormous impact gardening plays in a child’s wellbeing, learning and development. Tue, 27 Jul 2010 14:00 EST http://www.rhs.org.uk/News/School-gardening-boosts-child-development Wed, 21 Jul 2010 14:30 EST http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/opinion/oped/bs-ed-omalley-nature-20100727,0,3663209.story Opinion piece by Maryland Governor O'Malley Wed, 28 Jul 2010 14:00 EST http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/opinion/oped/bs-ed-omalley-nature-20100727,0,3663209.story http://tinyurl.com/2fgnmjp Fri, 13 Aug 2010 01:00 EST http://tinyurl.com/2fgnmjp http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/13/business/13veggies.html Doctors at three health centers in Massachusetts have begun advising patients to eat “prescription produce” from local farmers’ markets, in an effort to fight obesity in children of low-income families. Fri, 13 Aug 2010 14:30 EST http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/13/business/13veggies.html http://tinyurl.com/2cm4bqd From the Journal of Sustainability Education Fri, 13 Aug 2010 14:30 EST http://tinyurl.com/2cm4bqd http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/23/arts/23iht-design23.html?_r=2 Innovative programs in Bertie County have elements of environmental and place-based education, as well as outdoor learning environments. Fri, 27 Aug 2010 08:30 EST http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/23/arts/23iht-design23.html?_r=2