RESEARCH LIBRARY

The world’s largest collection of peer-reviewed literature about nature’s benefits for children.

Each month, we review the latest research on children and nature. We choose and summarize the most relevant studies and add them to our Library. The sheer volume of research now available makes a compelling case that when children have access to nature, they are healthier, happier, smarter and better stewards of the environment.

While our collection currently features academic research published in the English language, we acknowledge the importance of Indigenous wisdom and ecological knowledge, participatory research, and other ways of understanding the importance of the human-nature connection. Curation of research is guided by our Scientific Advisory Council.

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Outdoor play activity (e.g. playing tag, chasing, games, riding bikes, sledding)

Learning in nature - Academic subjects (e.g. math, reading)

Learning in nature - Environmental education

Learning in nature - Sustainability Education

Learning in nature - Place-based education

Learning in nature - Green schoolyards/school gardens

Learning in nature - Nature kindergartens/preschools/forest schools

Viewing nature- View out a window

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Communication skills

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Connection to nature or a natural place

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Pro-environmental ethics, values, attitudes

Environmental reasoning

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Sustaining participation in nature

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Gender Effect

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Age Effect

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Safety concerns (e.g. of traffic, strangers, crime, hunting, injury, etc.)

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Equipment needed

Distance from nature opportunities (lack of nearby nature)

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Peer pressure/peer antagonism (regarding obesity, ability, etc.)

Degraded environment

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RESEARCH LIBRARY

The world’s largest collection of peer-reviewed literature about nature’s benefits for children.

Related Resources:

Explore Research Library

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Population

Gender of the population of interest

Age of the population of interest

Special Populations

Demographics of U.S. population of interest

Methods

Study Designs

Settings

Forms of Nature Engagement

Technology Used In Nature

Outcomes

Physical Health Benefits

Physical Health Risks

Mental Health Benefits

Mental Health Risks

Academic Function

Occupational Function

Cognitive Function

Motor Function

Social/Emotional Function

Neighborhood/town/city

Efficacy

Play Behaviors and Styles

Conservation Values, Knowledge and Behaviors

Social Justice

Utilization of Nature

Demographic Effects

Barriers

Barriers to Nature Engagement

Themes

Themes

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MADE POSSIBLE WITH ONGOING SUPPORT FROM:

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