Environmental Stewardship

Hands-on environmental learning: As opposed to being educated only about concepts, urban children’s hands-on interaction with the living natural world in their immediate surroundings is a tangible, direct and memorable experience. No amount of classroom time can create the same level of excitement as watching a seed sprout then tasting the plant’s fruits once it’s full-grown. Children of all ages can grasp the fundamentals of environmental sustainability through the actual experience of interacting with soil, plants, water, compost, worms, bugs, butterflies and all the creatures found in even the most urban locations.

Meaningful environmental education for urban children: Environmental learning that takes place on the school grounds is relevant to the lives of urban children and the entire school community. Mainstream ideas about sustainability often include strategies relevant only to those with houses, yards, cars and cottages, whereas the school food garden is within reach of all children, no matter their home situation. School gardens can transform corners of the city into outdoor classrooms where children learn how their lives are connected to a wider world. The opportunities for hands-on lessons about environmental stewardship are countless, whether related to water conservation, organic agriculture, waste management, soil health, air quality, ecological footprint, or biodiversity.

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Content last modified on April 16, 2010, at 07:51 PM EST