CFS 248 Nature Ed. & Young Children

Prerequisites: None

This course focuses on assisting students to recognize, utilize, and capitalize on opportunities to interact with young children in nature settings. Young children’s curiosity and nature’s diversity creates opportunities to learn about health, ecosystems, biology, food systems, astronomy, sustainability, economics, as well as develop cooperation, appreciation, sensitivity, creativity, and wonder. Through a series of field experiences, observations at the Child Development Laboratory’s nature-scape playground, course readings, group projects, and lectures, students will engage with nature, children, and each other while exploring a variety of disciplines. Emphasis will be placed on methods to engage children in exploration and inquiry leading to measurable outcomes. This course is applicable to students interested in teaching, working at summer camps, working in national or state parks, as well as local parks and recreation offices, and/or anyone interested in children and nature.

Credits

1 Course Credit