STEM- Environment in education

• Share your perspectives on Nature Deficit Disorder and what you can do to address this as a new teacher.

“A good future is going to belong to the nature smart. People who understand the natures power…. Teachers who will understand transformative power”- Richard Louy

I strongly believe Natural deficit disorder is real and a big problem for our generations. The advancements of technology have been revolutionary It has made our lives easier and safer but at the same time it has set of an evolution disconnecting people from nature. Most of the teachers are part of the 1st or 2nd generations that have been slowly disconnecting with nature which makes it very difficult for teachers to encourage the curiosity towards nature in our students.

If this trend continues, “Cultural loose its memory” of being in and with nature. I think it is vital for us as teachers to learn about nature and learn from nature and create a sense of curiosity about nature and only then can we encourage it in our students.

Our culture has created a lot of fears related to exploring nature which are being transferred to the next generations and holding them back to connect with nature. But if we can take our children’s out to be in nature, learn from it we will be able to teach them the value of the natural environment and encourage them to become part of the solution of the problems we face such as global warming.

• How will you infuse environmental education in a meaningful way into your upcoming practicum as well as your future teaching?

Getting students out into their environment is very important. Nature can be used easily to teach a verity of curriculum expectations. As the weather is getting warmer it becomes easier for us to take students our and spring is a good time for students to and explore nature and see the changes happening around us.

I would be teaching measurements and data handling. I intend to take students out into the playground to measure and create maps of their environment. We can also use daily natural events and weather for students to chart graphs and see trends in nature. We can also easily integrate nature in art and language. We can create art using leaves stamps. Students can easily create simple green houses using paper and Ziploc bags or bird feeders. Students can get interested in gardening and nature as they are able to see nature happen in real time.

I believe is it important for students to also explore and play in nature with little supervision and restrictions so they are able to experience the wonders of nature and encourage them to create their own natural experiences.

• Why is this important for all learners?

Natural deficit disorder is a real problem facing our youth. It is very important we enlist the love and curiosity of nature in ourselves and students. Students need to be encouraged and left alone to explore and play in nature to teach them the real value of nature. Getting students out an about in nature can help solve a lot of issues facing us now.

It can help reduce childhood obesity and improve emotional health. Students can appreciate and value nature and be encouraged to actively solve many of the natural problems such as the students in Danburten high school are doing. Exploration and curiosity about nature empowers children and creates leaders and help equate the students with skills they need to be successful in the 21st century.

Related post- http://farzanaahmed26.wixsite.com/home/single-post/2017/01/04/Health-education

#STEM #healtheducation #health #Environment