#place-based learning

Creating environments for healthy human development and a healthy biosphere for generations to come.

David Sobel's Childhood and Nature: Design Principles for Educators describes necessary design principles for creating effective and engaging environmental and place-based education opportunities for children.

Adventure: introducing a sense of adventure into a learning experience places emphasis on children's natural desire to physically engage and learn through exploration.

Fantasy and Imagination: creating imaginary worlds or scenarios allows children to learn history, social studies, or other concepts through simulated experience

Animal Allies: children should be allowed to create meaningful connections with animals--whether through care and interest, or through animal role-play--both to develop empathy and to create a strong foundation for conservation education later on

Maps and Paths: beyond the developing visual-spatial skills, allowing children to explore and create maps of their neighborhoods opens the door for deep-rooted connections to human and natural places

Special Places: forts, tree houses, etc allow children to take control over their own spaces, constructing architecture and societies as they see fit

Small Worlds: scale simulations--whether maps, models, or dioramas-- allow children to literally see the "whole picture" of a complex system, such as a watershed or ecosystem