Green space in Chinese schools enhance children's environmental attitudes and pro-environmental behavior

School green space supports children’s pro-environmental behavior

Liu, W., Chen, J., (2021). Green space in Chinese schools enhance children's environmental attitudes and pro-environmental behavior. Children, Youth and Environments, 31(1), 55-87.

Reconfiguring relational space: A qualitative study of the benefits of caring for hens for the socio- emotional development of 5 – 9-year-old children in an urban junior school context of high socioeconomic exclusion

Caring for hens at school helped children facing socio-economic exclusion make social-emotional gains and develop awareness and respect for nature

Gilligan, C., Downes, P., (2021). Reconfiguring relational space: A qualitative study of the benefits of caring for hens for the socio- emotional development of 5 – 9-year-old children in an urban junior school context of high socioeconomic exclusion. Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning

Evaluating a green schoolyard transformation: A protocol utilizing the RE-AIM framework

Use of a field-tested evaluation protocol can augment the evidence base for the green schoolyard movement as a health-promotion strategy

Gerstein, D. E., Bates, C. R., Bohnert, A. M., (2021). Evaluating a green schoolyard transformation: A protocol utilizing the RE-AIM framework. Children, Youth and Environments, 31(1), 187-198.

Outdoor play activities and outdoor environment of early childhood education in Turkey: A qualitative meta-synthesis

Preschool teachers in Turkey believe that outdoor activities contribute to child development, yet generally hesitate taking children outside

Ozturk, Y., Ozer, Z., (2022). Outdoor play activities and outdoor environment of early childhood education in Turkey: A qualitative meta-synthesis. Early Child Development and Care, 192(11), 1752-1767.

Meaning-making of student experiences during outdoor exploration time

Teachers and students identify multiple benefits of regular opportunities for self-directed outdoor learning

Berg, S., Bradford, B., Barrett, J., Robinson, D. B., Camara, F., Perry, T., (2021). Meaning-making of student experiences during outdoor exploration time. Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning, 21(2), 172-183.

The outcomes of nature-based learning for primary school aged children: A systematic review of quantitative research

A systematic review of the literature highlights the potential positive impact of nature-based learning for primary school aged children

Miller, N. C., Kumar, S., Pearce, K. L., Baldock, K. L., (2021). The outcomes of nature-based learning for primary school aged children: A systematic review of quantitative research. Environmental Education Research, 27(8), 1115-1140.

Planting the seeds for nature-based learning: Impacts of a farm- and nature-based early childhood education program

Nature- and farm-based preschool programs have the potential to positively impact children and their families.

Rymanowicz, K., Hetherington, C., Larm, B., (2020). Planting the seeds for nature-based learning: Impacts of a farm- and nature-based early childhood education program. The International Journal of Early Childhood Environmental Education, 8(1), 44-63.

Nature and children's health: A systematic review

Positive associations between nature contact and children’s health supports advocacy for equitable nature access

Fyfe-Johnson, A. L., Hazlehurst, M. F., Perrins, S. P., Bratman, G. N., Thomas, R., Garrett, K. A., Hafferty, K. R., Cullaz, T. M., Marcuse, E. K., Tandon, P. S., (2021). Nature and children's health: A systematic review. Pediatrics, 148(4)

Finnish student teachers’ ideas of outdoor learning

Finnish student teachers’ ideas align with reforms promoting sustainability and outdoor learning

Ratinen, I., Sarivaara, E., Kuukkanen, P., (2021). Finnish student teachers’ ideas of outdoor learning. Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning

How to support young children's interest development during exploratory natural science activities in outdoor environments

Different interactional qualities of teachers are needed to support young children's interest in natural elements

Skalstad, I., Munkebye, E., (2022). How to support young children's interest development during exploratory natural science activities in outdoor environments. Teaching and Teacher Education, 120

Getting out of the classroom and into nature: A systematic review of nature-specific outdoor learning on school children's learning and development

Nature-specific learning outside the classroom has measurable socio-emotional, academic and wellbeing benefits for school children across all ages

Mann, J., Gray, T., Truong, S., Brymer, E., Passy, R., Ho, S., Sahlberg, P., Ward, K., Bentsen, P., Curry, C., Cowper, R., (2022). Getting out of the classroom and into nature: A systematic review of nature-specific outdoor learning on school children's learning and development. Frontiers in Public Health, 10

Nature-based instruction for science learning – a good fit for all: A controlled comparison of classroom versus nature

Nature-based instruction supports science learning for all students regardless of socioeconomic status

Faber Taylor, A., Butts-Wilmsmeyer, C., Jordan, C., (2022). Nature-based instruction for science learning – a good fit for all: A controlled comparison of classroom versus nature. Environmental Education Research

How does play in the outdoors afford opportunities for schema development in young children?

Loose parts in an outdoor environment can enhance children’s play and promote their holistic development.

Boulton, P., Thomas, A., (2022). How does play in the outdoors afford opportunities for schema development in young children?. International Journal of Play, 11(2), 184-201.

Naturally enough? Children, climate anxiety and the importance of hope

A pedagogy of hope encourages and supports children’s climate change activism

Buchanan, J., Pressick-Kilborn, K., Fergusson, J., (2021). Naturally enough? Children, climate anxiety and the importance of hope. The Social Educator, 39(3), 17-31.

Climate change and child health: a scoping review and an expanded conceptual framework

Climate change will have a detrimental direct and indirect impact on children’s health and wellbeing

Helldén, D., Andersson, C., Nilsson, M., Ebi, K. L., Friberg, P., Alfvén, T., (2021). Climate change and child health: a scoping review and an expanded conceptual framework. Lancet Planet Health, 5(3), E164-E175.

Choice matters: Pupils' stress regulation, brain development and brain function in an outdoor education project

Education outside the classroom can have a positive effect on biological stress regulation

Dettweiler, U., Gerchen, M., Mall, C., Simon, P., Kirsch, P., (2022). Choice matters: Pupils' stress regulation, brain development and brain function in an outdoor education project. British Journal of Educational Psychology, 93(1), 152-173.

School greenspace is associated with enhanced benefits of academic interventions on annual reading improvement for children of color in California

School greenspace may bolster the effects of instructional interventions for students with high academic support needs

Rahai, R., Wells, N. M., Evans, G. W., (2023). School greenspace is associated with enhanced benefits of academic interventions on annual reading improvement for children of color in California. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 83

The impact of music making outdoors on primary school aged pupils (aged 7–10 years) in the soundscape of nature from the perspective of their primary school teachers

The benefits of outdoor activities in nature may go beyond what can be achieved in school

Adams, D., Beauchamp, G., (2021). The impact of music making outdoors on primary school aged pupils (aged 7–10 years) in the soundscape of nature from the perspective of their primary school teachers. Journal of Outdoor and Environmental Education, 24, 37-53.

Teachers as learners: Outdoor elementary science

Outdoor Science Education program helps teachers learn science as 5th graders learn science

Carrier, S. J., Fraulo, A. B., Peterson, M. N., Stevenson, K. T., Romeo, L. M., (2023). Teachers as learners: Outdoor elementary science. Electronic Journal for Research in Science & Mathematics Education, 27(2), 1-24.

“We do it anyway”: Professional identities of teachers who enact risky play as a framework for education outdoors

Teachers’ opportunities for mentorship are essential to risky outdoor play and learning in schools

Zeni, M., Schnellert, L., Brussoni, M., (2023). “We do it anyway”: Professional identities of teachers who enact risky play as a framework for education outdoors. Journal of Outdoor and Environmental Education

Enable, reconnect and augment: A new ERA of virtual nature research and application

Immersive virtual nature experiences may enhance human-nature interactions and improve public health

Litleskare, S., MacIntyre, T. E., Calogiuri, G., (2020). Enable, reconnect and augment: A new ERA of virtual nature research and application. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(5)

A greening theory of change: How neighborhood greening impacts adolescent health disparities

Neighborhood greening may improve adolescent health and reduce health disparities

Kondo, M. C., Locke, D., Hazer, M., Mendelson, T., Fix, R. L., Joshi, A., Latshaw, M., Fry, D., Mmari, K., (2024). A greening theory of change: How neighborhood greening impacts adolescent health disparities. American Journal of Community Psychology

The association between natural environments and childhood mental health and development: A systematic review and assessment of different exposure measurements

Children’s exposure to natural environments is associated with positive mental health outcomes but the overall evidence is limited by methodological differences

Davis, Z., Guhn, M., Jarvis, I., Jarrett, M., Nesbitt, L., Oberlander, T., Sbihi, H., Su, J., van den Bosch, M., (2021). The association between natural environments and childhood mental health and development: A systematic review and assessment of different exposure measurements. International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health, 235

Associations between nature exposure and health: A review of the evidence

Nature is connected to a wide array of health benefits for children and youth

Jimenez, M. P., DeVille, N. V., Elliott, E. G., Schiff, J. E., Wilt, G. E., Hart, J. E., James, P., (2021). Associations between nature exposure and health: A review of the evidence. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(9)

Methodological considerations for movement education interventions in natural environments for primary school children: A scoping review

Learning in nature is a feasible intervention for promoting positive learning outcomes for children

Petrigna, L., Thomas, E., Scardina, A., Rizzo, F., Brusa, J., Camarazza, G., Galassi, C., Palma, A., Bellafiore, M., (2022). Methodological considerations for movement education interventions in natural environments for primary school children: A scoping review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19

Systematic review: Neurodevelopmental benefits of active/passive school exposure to green and/or blue spaces in children and adolescents

Nature in the school environment supports children’s and adolescents’ healthy neurodevelopment

Díaz-Martínez, F., Sánchez-Sauco, M. F., Cabrera-Rivera, L. T., Ojeda Sánchez , C., Hidalgo-Albadalejo, M. D., Claudio, L., Ortega-García, J. A., (2023). Systematic review: Neurodevelopmental benefits of active/passive school exposure to green and/or blue spaces in children and adolescents. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20

Teacher and parent perception of biophilic conditions in primary-school environments and their impact on children’s wellbeing

Teachers with numerous biophilic elements in their schools report favorable views of biophilic design’s impact on learning

Lanzaro, B., Ucci, M., (2024). Teacher and parent perception of biophilic conditions in primary-school environments and their impact on children’s wellbeing. Architecture, 4(2)

Does exposure to greenness improve children’s neuropsychological development and mental health? A Navigation Guide systematic review of observational evidence for associations

Children with more green space around their home, school, and neighborhood have better neuropsychological and mental health outcomes

Luque-García, L., Corrales, A., Lertxundi, A., Díaz, S., Ibarluzea, J., (2022). Does exposure to greenness improve children’s neuropsychological development and mental health? A Navigation Guide systematic review of observational evidence for associations. Environmental Research, 206

Link of outdoor exposure in daycare with attentional control and academic achievement in adolescence: Examining cognitive and social pathways

Time spent outdoors in early childhood may offer long-term benefits for children’s social, cognitive, and academic functioning

Ulset, V. S., Borge, A. I. H., Vitaro, F., Brendgen, M., Bekkhus, M., (2023). Link of outdoor exposure in daycare with attentional control and academic achievement in adolescence: Examining cognitive and social pathways. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 85

Outcomes of biophilic design for schools

Biophilic design interventions can enhance learning and improve teacher retention, student attendance and behavior

Browning, W., Determan, J., (2024). Outcomes of biophilic design for schools. Architecture, 4, 479–492.

The biophilic school: A critical synthesis of evidence-based systematic literature reviews

Biophilic design can make schools healthier places for teaching and learning

Fisher, K., (2024). The biophilic school: A critical synthesis of evidence-based systematic literature reviews. Architecture, 4, 457-478.

Interdisciplinary nature journaling improves mood and helps build connection in middle school students

Nature journaling supports students’ well-being and environmental awareness

Arbor, R. N., Matteson, K., (2024). Interdisciplinary nature journaling improves mood and helps build connection in middle school students. Environmental Education Research, 37(4), 748-758.

Practitioner perspectives on nature-based learning for autistic children

Nature-based learning can promote the well-being of autistic children by affirming and supporting their way of learning

Friedman, S., Morrison, S. A., Shibata, A., (2024). Practitioner perspectives on nature-based learning for autistic children. The Journal of Environmental Education

Biophilic campus: An emerging planning approach for a sustainable innovation-conducive university

A theoretical framework for university campus design intertwines biophilia, sustainability and innovative learning opportunities

Abdelaal, M. S., (2019). Biophilic campus: An emerging planning approach for a sustainable innovation-conducive university. Journal of Cleaner Production, 215, 1445-1456.

Turning science lessons inside out: Professional development for elementary school teachers’ outdoor instruction

Elementary teachers need continued administrative support to take science out to the schoolyard

Fiocca, S., Carrier, S. J., McGowan, J., (2024). Turning science lessons inside out: Professional development for elementary school teachers’ outdoor instruction. Journal of Outdoor Recreation, Education and Leadership, 16(4), 15-31 .

Effects of school‐led greenspace interventions on mental, physical and social wellbeing in children and adolescents: A systematic review

Engaging with nature in educational settings can improve students’ well-being for optimal learning experiences

Ly, V., Vella‐Brodrick,, D. A., (2024). Effects of school‐led greenspace interventions on mental, physical and social wellbeing in children and adolescents: A systematic review. Educational Psychology Review, 36(133)

The value of outdoor environmental education programs for girls and youth of color: cultivating positive dispositions toward science and the environment

Girls and youth of color experienced the largest gains in their dispositions toward science and the environment through participation in outdoor environmental education

Collins, M. A., Romero, V. F., Young, A., Dorph, R., Foreman, J., Strang, C., Pande, A., Laina, V., (2025). The value of outdoor environmental education programs for girls and youth of color: cultivating positive dispositions toward science and the environment. Environmental Education Research

Effects of a school-based garden program on academic performance: A cluster randomized controlled trial

Participation in a garden-based learning intervention improved fourth graders’ standardized reading test scores

Davis, J. N., Nikah, K., Landry, M, J,, Vandyousefi, S., Ghaddar, R., Jeans, M., Cooper, M. H., Martin, B., Waugh, L., Sharma, S. V., van den Berg, A. E., (2023). Effects of a school-based garden program on academic performance: A cluster randomized controlled trial. Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 123(4), 637-642.

How learning gardens foster well-being and development through the promotion of purposeful play in early childhood and beyond

Encouraging play in school gardens may support a state of well-being that is optimal for learning

Pope, E., Marston, S. A., Thompson, M., Larson, S., (2023). How learning gardens foster well-being and development through the promotion of purposeful play in early childhood and beyond. Theory into Practice, 62(2), 193-204.

From seeds to harvest in seven weeks: Project-based learning with Latina girls and their parents

Family-centered, culturally responsive garden-based learning supports Latina girls’ engagement and science identity development

Rillero, P., Jiménez-Silva, M., Short-Meyerson, K., Rillero, K. M., (2025). From seeds to harvest in seven weeks: Project-based learning with Latina girls and their parents. Education Sciences, 15(246)

The benefits of school recess: A Systematic Review

School recess supports an array of academic, cognitive, behavior and emotional, physical health, and social well-being benefits

Hodges, V. C., Centeio, E. E., Morgan, C. F., (2022). The benefits of school recess: A Systematic Review. Journal of School Health, 92(10), 959-967.

Differential effects of an urban outdoor environment on 4–5 year old children’s attention in school

Holding classes outdoors, even in urban settings, may support the attentional capacity of socio-economically disadvantaged children

Atkinson, M., Goldenberg, G., Dubiel, J., Wass, S., (2025). Differential effects of an urban outdoor environment on 4–5 year old children’s attention in school. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 104

Leveling the Playing Field: Opportunities for School Recess to Promote Wellness and Reduce Disparities in Elementary School Children

Students in lower-income communities tend to have less daily recess and are at greater risk of having recess withheld

Konduru, D., Lowrey, K. M., Hager, E. R., (2025). Leveling the Playing Field: Opportunities for School Recess to Promote Wellness and Reduce Disparities in Elementary School Children. American Journal of Health Promotion

School-based outdoor education and teacher subjective well-being: An exploratory study

School-based outdoor education is positively related to teachers’ subjective well-being

Deschamps, A., Scrutton, R., Ayotte-Beaudet, J., (2022). School-based outdoor education and teacher subjective well-being: An exploratory study. Frontiers, 7

Discussing mental health benefits for teachers participating in outdoor education in Canada: a conceptual analysis and future research directions

Outdoor education contributes to educators’ mental health, professional development, and self-care

Barker, C., Chisholm, N., Foran, A., (2024). Discussing mental health benefits for teachers participating in outdoor education in Canada: a conceptual analysis and future research directions. Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning

A systematic review of the impacts of nature exposure on the nervous system in children and youth: Implications for nature-based learning

Exposure to nature promotes a state of relaxed alertness, improved attentional processing, and optimal cognitive resource allocation for children and adolescents

Quintela Do Carmo, G., Ayotte-Beaudet, J., Jordan, C., (2025). A systematic review of the impacts of nature exposure on the nervous system in children and youth: Implications for nature-based learning. Journal of Environmental Psychology

Effect of nature on the mental health and well-being of children and adolescents: meta-review

Meta-review highlights the need for high-quality research to strengthen the evidence of nature’s impact on mental health and well-being

Lomax, T., Butler, J., Cirpriani, A., Singh, I., (2024). Effect of nature on the mental health and well-being of children and adolescents: meta-review. The British Journal of Psychiatry, 225, 401–409.

The family-nature-school success pathway: Longitudinal mediation by nature contact and moderation by residential green space

Increased nature contact explains the relationship between family members’ positive attitudes toward nature and improved learning outcomes among urban children in China

Zhang, J., Yang, X., Qi, Y., Yu, X., Chen, Y., (2026). The family-nature-school success pathway: Longitudinal mediation by nature contact and moderation by residential green space. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 109