Faculty Collaboration Database

More than a pretty place: assessing the impact of environmental education on children's knowledge and attitudes about outdoor play in nature. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2015 Feb 12;12(2):2054-70

Date

02/17/2015

Pubmed ID

25685953

Pubmed Central ID

PMC4344710

DOI

10.3390/ijerph120202054

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-84922822111   3 Citations

Abstract

Our work assessed the influence of an urban environmental education program on children's attitudes toward outdoor play, as well as knowledge of neighborhood features that can facilitate this type of activity. The project team engaged 6 schools near the newest Urban Ecology Center location in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA, through a community-academic partnership entitled More Than a Pretty Place. Intervention classrooms participated in programming over the 2012-2013 academic year and pre and post surveys were implemented in classrooms. Data were analyzed using multilevel regression models. The intervention group reported reduced fears of outdoor play in nature and increased frequency of visits to the Urban Ecology Center. The proportion of students who acknowledged knowing of a place to play outside in nature increased significantly in both groups. Our findings indicate an important role for environmental education in addressing fears that may dissuade children from engaging in outdoor play in natural areas.

Author List

Beyer KM, Heller EF, Bizub JM, Kistner AJ, Szabo A, Shawgo EE, Zetts CJ

Authors

Kirsten M. Beyer PhD, MPH Associate Professor in the Institute for Health and Equity department at Medical College of Wisconsin
Aniko Szabo PhD Professor in the Institute for Health and Equity department at Medical College of Wisconsin

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Attitude
Child
Conservation of Natural Resources
Environment
Female
Humans
Male
Play and Playthings
Residence Characteristics
Schools
Students
Surveys and Questionnaires
Wisconsin