Experience in local urban wildlife research enhances a conservation education programme with school children

Nature-based experiences with academic mentors in urban environments enhances students' awareness and interest

Awasthy, M., Popovic, A. Z., Linklater, W. L., (2012). Experience in local urban wildlife research enhances a conservation education programme with school children. Pacific Conservation Biology, 18(1), 41 - 46.

The nature of udeskole: Outdoor learning theory and practice in Danish schools

Outdoor education in the context of Danish "udeskole" provides insights into best practices and practical challenges

Bensten, P., Jensen, F. S., (2012). The nature of udeskole: Outdoor learning theory and practice in Danish schools. Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning, 12(3), 199 - 219.

Promoting connectedness with nature through environmental education

Age and academic level may predict children's connectedness to nature and the success of environmental education in enhancing connectedness

Lieflander, A., Frohlich, G., Bogner, F. X., Schultz, P. W., (2013). Promoting connectedness with nature through environmental education. Environmental Education Research, 19(3), 370 - 384.

Use of the outdoor classroom and nature-study to support science and literacy learning: A narrative case study of a third-grade classroom

Nature provides a meaningful context for integrated science and literacy learning and contributes to student achievement on standardized tests

Eick, C. J., (2012). Use of the outdoor classroom and nature-study to support science and literacy learning: A narrative case study of a third-grade classroom. Journal of Science Teacher Education, 23(7), 789 - 803.

Urban environmental education: Leveraging technology and ecology to engage students in studying the environment

Science self-efficacy and environmental stewardship of high school students improved through participation in an intensive summer urban ecology program

Barnett, M., Vaughn, M., Strauss, E., Cotter, L., (2011). Urban environmental education: Leveraging technology and ecology to engage students in studying the environment. International Research in Geographical and Environmental Education, 20(3), 199 - 214.

The REAL team: A cooperative student training program in rapid ecological assessment

Ecological internship program is model for valuable educational and work experience

Farnsworth, E. J., Holsinger, K. E., Mehrhoff, L. J., Murray, N., Preston, J., Silander, J. A., (2001). The REAL team: A cooperative student training program in rapid ecological assessment. BioScience, 51(10), 874-879.

Role of internship in higher education in environmental sciences

Environmental science internships are complementary to university education

Scholz, R. W., Steiner, R., Hansmann, R., (2004). Role of internship in higher education in environmental sciences. Journal of Research in Science Teaching, 41(1), 24-46.

Adult learning meets the green economy: Lessons from a green jobs education project

Adult education for green jobs is successful, but basic skills are a prerequisite

Wagner, C., (2013). Adult learning meets the green economy: Lessons from a green jobs education project. Adult Learning, 24(1), 14 - 21.

A comparative study of the impacts and students' perceptions of indoor and outdoor learning in the science classroom

Outdoor learning complements indoor learning by improving student performance and increasing student participation and enjoyment in science learning activities

Dhanapal, S., Lim, C. C. Y., (2013). A comparative study of the impacts and students' perceptions of indoor and outdoor learning in the science classroom. Asia-Pacific Forum on Science Learning and Teaching, 14(2), 1 - 23.

The effect of an animal-assisted reading program on the reading rate, accuracy and comprehension of grade 3 students: A randomized control study

Third grade students significantly improve reading comprehension and retention when reading with a dog in an animal-assisted reading program

le Roux, M. C., Swartz, L., Swart, E., (2014). The effect of an animal-assisted reading program on the reading rate, accuracy and comprehension of grade 3 students: A randomized control study. Child & Youth Care Forum, 43(6), 655 - 673.

Living animals in the classroom: A meta-analysis on learning outcome and a treatment-control study focusing on knowledge and motivation

Students' knowledge outcomes did not differ with a live animal present versus use of a film, but motivation to learn was enhanced with a live animal

Hummel, E., Randler, C., (2012). Living animals in the classroom: A meta-analysis on learning outcome and a treatment-control study focusing on knowledge and motivation. Journal of Science Education and Technology, 21(1), 95 - 105.

Green schoolyards as havens from stress and resources for resilience in childhood and adolescence

Natural schoolyards decrease stress, strengthen attention, reduce behavior problems, and enhance factors associated with resilience in children of all ages

Chawla, L., Keena, K., Pevec, I., Stanley, E., (2014). Green schoolyards as havens from stress and resources for resilience in childhood and adolescence. Health & Place, 28, 1-13.

Learning biology and mathematics outdoors: Effects and attitudes in a Swedish high school context

Outdoor learning improves long-term memory of course content and increases positive student attitudes

Fägerstam, E., Blom, J., (2013). Learning biology and mathematics outdoors: Effects and attitudes in a Swedish high school context. Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning, 13(1), 56 - 75.

The effect of a horseshoe crab citizen science program on middle school student science performance and STEM career motivation

Citizen science program for middle school students has positive effects with potential for STEM career motivation

Hiller, S. E., Kitsantas, A., (2014). The effect of a horseshoe crab citizen science program on middle school student science performance and STEM career motivation. School Science and Mathematics, 114(6), 302 - 311.

Advancing sustainability through urban green space: Cultural ecosystem services, equity, and social determinants of health

More equitable access to urban green space may help alleviate health gaps between socio-economic groups

Jennings, V, Larson, L., Yun, J., (2016). Advancing sustainability through urban green space: Cultural ecosystem services, equity, and social determinants of health. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 13(2)

School-based experiential outdoor education - A neglected necessity

Outdoor education improves students’ engagement in and motivation for learning

James, J.K., Williams, T., (2017). School-based experiential outdoor education - A neglected necessity. Journal of Experiential Education, 40(1), 58-71.

Playing with nature: Supporting preschoolers' creativity in natural outdoor classrooms

Natural outdoor classrooms promote preschoolers’ creativity in the areas of problem-solving and ingenuity

Kiewra, C., Veselack, E., (2016). Playing with nature: Supporting preschoolers' creativity in natural outdoor classrooms. The International Journal of Early Childhood Environmental Education, 4(1)

Outdoor explorations with preschoolers: An observational study of young children's developing relationship with the natural world

Children’s understanding of the natural world develops through direct, positive experiences with nature, supported by adult guidance

McClain, C., Vandermaas-Peeler, M., (2016). Outdoor explorations with preschoolers: An observational study of young children's developing relationship with the natural world. International Journal of Early Childhood Environmental Education, 4(1)

Shifting gears: Engaging nurse practitioners in prescribing time outdoors

Nurse practitioners can serve as catalysts in promoting healthier lifestyles through Park Prescription initiatives

Wessel, L.A., (2017). Shifting gears: Engaging nurse practitioners in prescribing time outdoors. The Journal for Nurse Practitioners, 13(1), 89-96.

Bringing outdoor play indoors in United Arab Emirates: Mud as a powerful binding element

A Mud Day project is successful in bringing outdoor learning indoors

Baker, F.S., (2017). Bringing outdoor play indoors in United Arab Emirates: Mud as a powerful binding element. Childhood Education, 93(1), 73-79.

Geotheorizing mountain-child relations within anthropogenic inheritances

Early childhood pedagogy based on relationality rather than separation could serve as a form of resistance to an extractive relationship with the more-than-human world

Nxumalo, F., (2017). Geotheorizing mountain-child relations within anthropogenic inheritances. Children's Geographies, 15(5), 558-569.

"We won't hurt you butterfly!" Second-graders become environmental stewards from experiences in a school garden

School-garden program promotes positive attitudes toward the environment

Fisher-Maltese, C., (2016). "We won't hurt you butterfly!" Second-graders become environmental stewards from experiences in a school garden. International Journal of Early Childhood Environmental Education, 4(1), 54-69.

Companion animals and child/adolescent development: A systematic review of the evidence

Pet ownership may be beneficial to child and adolescent emotional, cognitive, behavioral, educational and social development

Purewal, R., Christley, R., Kordas, K., Joinson, C,, Meints, K., Gee, N,, Westgarth, C., (2017). Companion animals and child/adolescent development: A systematic review of the evidence. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 14(3)

Pedagogical school gardens as a Food and Nutrition Education strategy: Perception of parents and educators of their impact on children's diets

Children and families experience dietary benefits of school gardens

Garcia, M.T., Coelho, D.E.P., Bogus, C.M., (2017). Pedagogical school gardens as a Food and Nutrition Education strategy: Perception of parents and educators of their impact on children's diets. Demetra

Down by the Bay

The resources of a nature center help second-graders learn more in-depth information about their local environment

Allison, E., Tunks, K., Hardman, K., (2017). Down by the Bay. Science and Children, 54(7), 29-33.

Effects of regular classes in outdoor education settings: A systematic review on students' learning, social and health dimensions

Regular classes in outdoor settings can promote students’ learning, health, social development, and concern for the environment

Becker, C., Lauterbach, G., Spengler, S., Dettweiler, U., Mess, F., (2017). Effects of regular classes in outdoor education settings: A systematic review on students' learning, social and health dimensions. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 14

From nature deficit to outdoor exploration: Curriculum for sustainability in Vermont's public schools

Vermont elementary school educators find ways to effectively integrate environmental education into their practice

Silverman, J., Corneau, N., (2017). From nature deficit to outdoor exploration: Curriculum for sustainability in Vermont's public schools. Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning, 17(3), 258-273.

Stories for living on a damaged planet: Environmental education in a preschool classroom

Children’s encounters with dead and dying bees foster more complex and deeper relationships with more-than-human others

Nxumalo, F., (2017). Stories for living on a damaged planet: Environmental education in a preschool classroom. Journal of Early Childhood Research, 16(2), 148-159.

The Schaus Swallowtail Habitat Enhancement Project: An applied service-learning project continuum from Biscayne National Park to Miami-Dade County Public Schools

School grounds can be used for the dual purpose of enhancing student learning and increasing the biodiversity of organisms

Clayburn, J., Koptur, S., O'Brien, G., Whelan, K.R.T., (2017). The Schaus Swallowtail Habitat Enhancement Project: An applied service-learning project continuum from Biscayne National Park to Miami-Dade County Public Schools. Southeastern Naturalist, 16(10), 26-46.

Does access to green space impact the mental well-being of children: A systematic review

Access to nature can promote the mental well-being of children

McCormick, R., (2017). Does access to green space impact the mental well-being of children: A systematic review. Journal of Pediatric Nursing, 37, 3-7.

Thinking outside the four walls of the classroom: A Canadian Nature Kindergarten

Developing and implementing a Nature Kindergarten provided new opportunities for students and teachers to deepen their connections with place

Elliot, E., Krusekopt, F., (2017). Thinking outside the four walls of the classroom: A Canadian Nature Kindergarten. International Journal of Early Childhood

Mindful place-based education: Mapping the literature

Mindfulness can strengthen place-based education

Deringer, S.A., (2017). Mindful place-based education: Mapping the literature. Journal of Experiential Education

A Bayesian mixed-methods analysis of basic psychological needs satisfaction through outdoor learning and its influence on motivational behavior in science class

Outdoor learning experiences can address students’ basic psychological needs and promote self-regulated learning

Dettweiler, U., Lauterbach, G., Becker, C., Simon, P., (2017). A Bayesian mixed-methods analysis of basic psychological needs satisfaction through outdoor learning and its influence on motivational behavior in science class. Frontiers in Psychology, 8

School gardens in the city. Does environmental equity help close the achievement gap?

School gardens could serve as gateways to reducing the academic achievement gap

Ray, R., Fisher, D.R., Fisher-Maltese, C., (2016). School gardens in the city. Does environmental equity help close the achievement gap?. Du Bois Review: Social Science Research on Race, 13(2), 379-395.

Bridging natural and digital domains: Attitudes, confidence, and interest in using technology to learn outdoors

The use of digital observational tools may enhance students’ attitudes, confidence and interest in using technology to learn outdoors

Hougham, R.J., Nutter, M., Graham, C., (2018). Bridging natural and digital domains: Attitudes, confidence, and interest in using technology to learn outdoors. Journal of Experiential Education

Tree cover and species composition effects on academic performance of primary school students

Tree cover and species composition have a positive effect on children’s academic performance, especially for children in socio-economically challenged schools

Sivarajah, S., Smith, S.M., Thomas, S.C., (2018). Tree cover and species composition effects on academic performance of primary school students. PLOS ONE, 13(2)

Youth-focused citizen science: Examining the role of environmental science learning and agency for conservation

Youth-focused citizen science can build capacity for future conservation actions

Ballard, H.L., Dixon, C.G.H., Harris, E.M., (2017). Youth-focused citizen science: Examining the role of environmental science learning and agency for conservation. Biological Conservation, 208, 65-75.

Nurture thru nature: Creating natural science identities in populations of disadvantaged children through community education partnership

Experimental evidence provides some support for nature-based interventions in improving academic performance in language arts and science

Camasso, M.J., Jagannathan, R., (2018). Nurture thru nature: Creating natural science identities in populations of disadvantaged children through community education partnership. Journal of Environmental Education, 49(1), 30-42.

Analyzing teacher narratives in early childhood garden-based education

A model focusing on learning across multiple domains and integrating self-determination theory can be used to inform the design and evaluation of early childhood garden education programs

Murakami, C.D., Su-Russell, C., Manfra, L., (2018). Analyzing teacher narratives in early childhood garden-based education. Journal of Environmental Education, 49(1), 18-29.

Place-based outdoor learning: More than a drag and drop approach

Place-based outdoor learning extends the success of the Forest School approach

Lloyd, A., Truong, S., Gray, T., (2018). Place-based outdoor learning: More than a drag and drop approach. Journal of Outdoor and Environmental Education, 21, 45-60.

Science in the Learning Gardens (SciLG): A study of students' motivation, achievement, and science identity in low-income middle schools

Students’ motivational experiences in garden-based learning predict science engagement, learning and achievement

Williams, D.R., Brule, H., Kelley, S.S., Skinner, E.A., (2018). Science in the Learning Gardens (SciLG): A study of students' motivation, achievement, and science identity in low-income middle schools. International Journal of STEM Education, 5(8)

Birds in the playground: Evaluating the effectiveness of an urban environmental education project in enhancing school children's awareness, knowledge and attitudes towards local wildlife

Urban children experience gains in knowledge and attitudes towards local wildlife while participating in a bird feeding and monitoring project

White, R.L., Eberstein, K., Scott, D.M., (2018). Birds in the playground: Evaluating the effectiveness of an urban environmental education project in enhancing school children's awareness, knowledge and attitudes towards local wildlife. PLoS ONE, 13(3)

A systematic review of the health and well-being impacts of school gardening: Synthesis of quantitative and qualitative evidence

School gardens benefit students and adults in various ways, yet more robust evidence is needed to promote school gardening programs as public health interventions

Ohly, H., Gentry, S., Wigglesworth, R., Bethel, A., Lovell, R., Garside, R., (2016). A systematic review of the health and well-being impacts of school gardening: Synthesis of quantitative and qualitative evidence. BMC Public Health, 16(1)

Back to the Garten: Ontario kindergarteners learn and grow through schoolyard pedagogy

Inquiry-based learning in the outdoor classroom may promote children’s autonomy

MacDonald, K., Breunig, M., (2018). Back to the Garten: Ontario kindergarteners learn and grow through schoolyard pedagogy. Journal of Outdoor and Environmental Education

The Hare and the Tortoise go to Forest School: Taking the scenic route to academic attainment via emotional wellbeing outdoors

Young children from disadvantaged backgrounds participating in a 3-year Forest School show increased well-being and academic development

McCree, M., Cutting, R., Sherwin, D., (2018). The Hare and the Tortoise go to Forest School: Taking the scenic route to academic attainment via emotional wellbeing outdoors. Early Child Development and Care, 188(7), 980-996.

A forest-based environment as a site of literacy and meaning making for kindergarten children

A forest environment provides kindergarten children with rich opportunities for literacy and meaning making

Streelasky, J., (2018). A forest-based environment as a site of literacy and meaning making for kindergarten children. Literacy

Perceptions of school-based kitchen garden programs in low-income African American communities

School-based kitchen garden programs may positively influence individual, social and physical environmental factors contributing to obesity

Knapp, M.B., Hall, M.T., Mundorf, A.R., Partridge, K.L., Johnson, C.C., (2018). Perceptions of school-based kitchen garden programs in low-income African American communities. Health Promotion Practice

Participatory retrofitting of school playgrounds: Collaboration between children and university students to develop a vision

School/university collaboration results in a children-led vision of a school playground

Menconi, M.E., Grohmann, D., (2018). Participatory retrofitting of school playgrounds: Collaboration between children and university students to develop a vision. Thinking Skills and Creativity, 29, 71-86.

Green writing: The influence of natural spaces on primary students' poetic writing in the UK and Australia

Students with direct experience of nature produced richer poetic writing than students with vicarious contact with nature

Gardner, P., Kuzich, S., (2018). Green writing: The influence of natural spaces on primary students' poetic writing in the UK and Australia. Cambridge Journal of Education, 48(4), 427-443.

Greenness and school-wide test scores are not always positively associated - A replication of "linking performance in Massachusetts elementary schools with the 'greenness' of school surroundings using remote sensing"

Academic achievement outcomes associated with greenness around schools may differ between low-green, high-disadvantaged schools and high-green, low-disadvantaged schools

Browning, M.H.E.M., Kuo, M., Sachdeva, S., Leed, K., Westphal, L., (2018). Greenness and school-wide test scores are not always positively associated - A replication of "linking performance in Massachusetts elementary schools with the 'greenness' of school surroundings using remote sensing". Landscape and Urban Planning, 178, 69-72.