Title: Submit Module Three Assignment
Course: Nature & Human Wellness eeCourse > Section: Module 3: Impact of Nature on Human Health & Development

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1vElEW3_pdASVQl8S6ZIdRUF9nx9tMZdv33t8U1Qf5Ws/edit?usp=sharing

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1g8VxdiJYbpYLCMOZK6_vqFKJKwoLPLcDREC2v3wcI9c/edit?usp=sharing

Below are links to find my assignments:

- Course journal
- Capstone outline

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1DWyvEEGuLanwfpczfgo-HQJjLAaXfZdqsJqYcjWPawM/edit?usp=sharing

Also, I do not believe the course journal reflections line up with what this module 3 submission says-- please let me know if I did not complete the correct lessons!

Thanks!

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1s0tV3xQywtdZGVfTEryMlH9Bq6EP4vQu5Av2L-TK_3I/edit?usp=sharing

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hF3L7g4cjarK3dvWawwI--XL-iF34ZRtuluOoBeU720/edit?usp=sharing

https://research.childrenandnature.org/research/shared-outdoor-adventures-can-help-create-maintain-and-enhance-family-well-being/?h=N2Ka623D

https://research.childrenandnature.org/research/cameras-can-help-children-notice-nature/?h=N2Ka623D

MODULE 3: Impact of Nature on Human Health & Development

Lesson 1:  Environmental Psychology Frameworks to Human & Nature Interconnection

1.     Choose one of the 2 articles (either “ Biophilia as Evolutionary Adaptation ” or “ What is Kaplan’s Attention Restoration Theory? ”) and

○      Describe how you think the research on your choice supports the idea of human and nature connections.

Kaplan’s article outlined several studies where people were exposed to nature after taxing activities/environments, and consistently, these individuals experienced the highest levels of restoration, lowered stress, etc.  What makes the case strong is that other groups were exposed to urban/built environments to measure the difference in reaction.  What is more fascinating, is that even photographs or window scenes of nature have been shown to draw more positive outcomes in study subjects.  It has long been discussed that hospital patients with natural outdoor views seem to heal faster.  What is even more impressive is that natural scenes can lower pain in very stressful medical procedures.

○      What was the most convincing support for this within your chosen article, and why do you think it is so compelling?

The pain study is what really locked it in for me, as I have endured some very painful and anxious medical situations, and understand how extreme pain can completely overtake a person.  If nature has the power to disrupt pain (even if just slightly), that indicates to me a tremendous physiological and psychological (to me you cannot separate the two) connection to the natural world.

2.     Now that you have been introduced to the concept of Biodiversity (the 3 levels of biodiversity, and human connections and impacts on biodiversity):

○      Reflect in your journal how you believe that biodiversity relates to your own well-being (mental, physical, emotional or otherwise).

     Being able to experience diverse natural environments is critical to my mental health.  If I spend too long in my home environment, I feel stagnation.  I long for different scenery, different animals to observe, etc.  It has never failed, if I can experience a new environment, even for just a day or two, I feel more energized and inspired upon returning home, which leads to more energy for caring for myself physically and emotionally as well.

     I think, subconsciously, I am also more at peace when I know the environment is healthy (greater biodiversity).  I begin to feel easily stressed when I see a landscape that is being damaged by humans or hear of a species on the decline.  That tells me that our entire way of life is at risk and that measures should be taken to re-balance.

○      Do you think Biodiversity does impact human wellness? ? In what ways (list 3)?

·        Greater biodiversity results in greater resources (medicine, fuel, etc.) available to humans that result in higher levels of wellness.

·        Greater biodiversity results in the balance of species, preventing the overgrowth of species that may have an impact on human wellness (noxious weeds that decrease agricultural success, pests that carry disease, etc.).

·        Since humans experience restoration in nature, biodiversity helps ensure that plenty of spaces are available for human recharge.

○      Are we as humans important when it comes to any or all of the layers of biodiversity?

Every species plays a role in the balance of an ecosystem.  The sophisticated thought processes of humans allow the development of technologies that can quickly destroy biodiversity.  That also means that we theoretically could take measures to restore biodiversity, but there are competing value systems within the human race that can prevent action from being taken.

○      Describe 3 ways we as humans impact biodiversity (positive or negative or both).

·        Habitat destruction – leads to a decrease in species as the basic needs for life are depleted and survivors are left to migrate and adapt.

·        Climate change – If occurring too quickly, ecosystems are unable to adjust quickly enough and conditions deteriorate and species decrease.

·        Overexploiting of resources – This often leads to habitat destruction, pollution, etc.

Lesson 2: Nature’s Impact on Child Growth & Development

1. After reading “ Children & the Natural Environment ”, reflect on the section defining nature experiences found in table 10.1.  What resonated with you from your own experience and why?

I remember being in “flow” many times playing outside as a child.  We had lots of sand to play in, right in our farmyard, and I could spend hours digging, building, and just enjoying the sensation of playing in the sand.  I often played with my brother or alone, without adult supervision.  There was no urgency and my imagination could just take over.  I craved that playtime!  And I feel that same pull as an adult to get outside, often alone, and try to forget about everything else going on and just let the senses take over as my mind clears.

1. Describe at least three benefits nature has on child development.

Improved motor skills as youth are using their bodies to navigate various elements (hills, streams, uneven paths, etc.).

Better self-regulation and less aggressive behaviors due to the calming aspects of nature and improved stress mitigation.

Healthier weight and better cardiovascular capacity due to increased levels of regular physical activity.

1. How has your nature connection benefited your mental, physical, and cognitive health?

Whenever I spend time in nature, I am able to calm and slow my mind, which helps me to focus and think more clearly.  I also can be more creative again.

I move more when I am outside and my body benefits from increased Vitamin D!

My problems seem smaller when I immerse myself in the “bigness” of nature, and experience awe.  This helps my mental health.

1. Have you seen any of the positive impacts of nature on children in your work? Describe those that have stayed with you the most.

I notice a major difference in facilitating behavior between indoor and outdoor settings.  We definitely don’t have to nag and get after children as much when they are outside.  Youth I dread working with indoors can be completely different when allowed to play and learn outside.  The youth are happier because they can pursue the natural level of energy they are feeling outside.  They can run, make noise, climb, explore, and let the energy flow!  Youth who are overwhelmed also benefit because they tend to be able to find a quiet space and activity outside that helps them rest and enjoy that “soft focus” for awhile.

Lesson 3: Nature’s Impact on Human Health & Wellness

1. After watching the video featuring Dr. Susan Masino, reflect here in your journal about the following:

●      What was something you heard that stood out to you and why?

Walking is an underrated form of physical activity, and walking in the woods only increases the benefits to one’s health and life.  For example, creativity is increased by walking in the woods.

●      Why do you think that our brain functioning and cognitive development is impacted by nature connections?

Urban environments appear to push our brains into a sort of unnatural “overdrive”.  Nature is what helps balance the brain so that it can function at it’s intended level.  The rumination example stood out to me.  Time spent in nature helps decrease rumination, which was observed by the human subjects and on brain scans.

●      Describe how you could apply something you heard from Dr. Masino’s research to your own life and/or the work you do.

I have already been conducting camps related to creative design in natural environments.  I don’t specifically tell the youth how nature impacts their brains.  I think it is time to start revealing the science that is driving the reason behind our setting for the camp!  Then they can apply that to their own lives and try to get out in nature more when they need to stimulation their creativity!

1. Now that you’ve explored the benefits of nature connections on the whole person and wellness, use the template embedded in your journal to conduct an assessment of at least 5 tools (physical tools, strategies, methods, etc.) for positively impacting wellness for your students through your lessons/programs, or for students or adults you work with.

○      Think of this as an attempt to create a “Wellness Kit” you will utilize for every EE program/lesson you host (not unlike you would include a First Aid Kit for every field trip).

Wellness Methods/Tools | How to Use | When to Use | Benefits | Time Required
Examples: Magnifiers | Hand-held up to eye | When connecting with tiny living things | Creates a calming focus | Varies, but can be used to observe/time biodiversity in a space
Forest Walk | As a breathing exercise | Before a lesson introduction | Relaxes the student and educator, facilitates engagement | 5 minutes outsidefor5.com
Silent listening session | Sit quietly in nature and note how many different sounds you can hear (birds, water, leaves, etc.) | Typically in the middle of a lesson. | Can re-focus a rambunctious group, help relax everyone with a grounding effect | 5-10 minutes
Journaling | Provide a small notebook and a variety of writing tools | Periodically through a lesson. | Helps youth fine-tun observation skill and reflect on what is being observed | 5-10 minutes
Water play | Incorporate swimming, wading, floating, or paddling as a major experience | As one of the main activities for a longer event | The feel and sound of water can be very therapeutic, as well as FUN! | Minimum 30 minutes.
Overnight tent camping | Allow youth to sleep in tents so they can be immersed in the light cycle, natural noises, etc. | As the bridge activity for a multi-day event | Regulates Circadian rhythm, heightens senses, grounding, develops confidence | 8-10 hrs
Loose part collections | Develop a collection of natural items, related to the theme, that youth can touch, smell, and manipulate | Can be utilized during a wide variety of lessons | Helps youth utilize more senses, keeps attention, creates deeper memories of learning | Time will vary

Module 3: Building Capstone: To continue to build your capstone project:

●      Create a one page outline providing the main points, themes, and description for what will become your capstone project. You may wish to create this outline in a new google doc, if so - please copy and paste the link to that doc below:

Goal:

Instead of developing a single evaluation tool as I originally thought, I decided to start collecting a list of potential questions to be incorporated into evaluation tools.  There are so many different types of outdoor education programs we do, with such a wide variety of partners, I feel that I will need the flexibility to add or drop a few questions based on particular program needs.  So the goal is to start a solid list of questions that can be shared and reviewed by peers and incorporated into our existing programs.  At this time, I am just focusing on post evaluaton.

Steps:

1. Consider the questions we explored through this course and determine which topics to include in the evaluation bank.

2. Review 4-H Common Measures Science questions.

      Select the questions I feel relate to EE.

3.                 3.  Research a variety of other evaluation tools, articles, etc. to glean additional insight.

      4.    Create a bank of questions that combine some that meet the 4-H Common Measures standards, as well as those that dive         deeper into EE settings, specifically.

●      Browse through the Children & Nature Network Research Library using keywords related to the specific theme of your capstone project.

○      Find 2 articles that might support your capstone project, link them in your references in your outline.

New Evaluation Tool Measures Key Youth Development Outcomes of Nature-Based Programs

https://www.childrenandnature.org/resources/new-evaluation-tool-measures-key-youth-development-outcomes-of-nature-based-programs/

CSU Researchers Forge New Trails to Bridge the Gap Between Research and Practice in Outdoor Programming

https://www.childrenandnature.org/resources/csu-researchers-forge-new-trails-to-bridge-the-gap-between-research-and-practice-in-outdoor-programming/

Lesson 1:  Environmental Psychology Frameworks to Human & Nature Interconnection

1. Choose one of the 2 articles (either “Biophilia as Evolutionary Adaptation” or “What is Kaplan’s Attention Restoration Theory?”) and

- Describe how you think the research on your choice supports the idea of human and nature connections.
  1. I wrote this response and then realized that I went totally off the topic - but I wanted to share these thoughts so I’m sticking with my response! :)
  2. I am completely fascinated by the argument in the Biophilia article about biophilic design. The idea that we can build our cities to mimic nature in a way that provides us with the same benefits is awesome. They say: “The goal of biophilic design is to create artificial environments as similar as possible to natural ones, to ensure the positive effect that Nature has on people’s health and wellbeing (Söderlund, 2019; Browning and Ryan, 2020). I am intrigued to connect this thought with some things I recently learned about the LEED certified new DO Space building at 72nd and Dodge in Omaha - the views are part of the building design and contribute to the certification status. And linking a sense of calm to better decision making and the historic or evolutionary ability to deal with stressful situations seems like a legitimate connection to our current needs with the stresses that living in a city can create. I did not seek out the research links to all the citations, and maybe to answer my next questions I need to do that… but I’m very curious about the research behind the designs of buildings and structures. What is needed to provide that nature stress relief - and how can it be retro-fitted to function in a classroom or an office that does not have the benefit of a LEED or other certification?

- What was the most convincing support for this within your chosen article, and why do you think it is so compelling?
  1. I think the most convincing support for this article is the vast citation list. The author has clearly reviewed many different sources and found a clear connection in the research.

1. Now that you have been introduced to the concept of Biodiversity (the 3 levels of biodiversity, and human connections and impacts on biodiversity):

- Reflect in your journal how you believe that biodiversity relates to your own well-being (mental, physical, emotional or otherwise).
  1. There is beauty in biodiversity. Looking at a field of beautiful flowers in a monoculture is gorgeous, for a bit. But after a while, the sameness becomes a cloud in which we start to lose the beauty. The diversity of species provides us with variety to look at, so a mixed flower field, in my opinion, will be more beautiful in the long run because it is more enjoyable to spend time in and doesn’t become boring. Because we want to spend more time there, the mental and physical benefits of a biodiverse place are consequently greater.

- Do you think Biodiversity does impact human wellness? ? In what ways (list 3)?
  1. Sameness is boring - biodiversity provides beauty for us to appreciate and relax in
  2. Healthy ecosystems - even with in the city - provide resources that make us physically and emotionally healthier (variety of trees to provide nourishment and clean air, native plants that help with water pollution prevention, etc.
  3. Biodiversity provides ecosystems with more resilience so we can survive disease and pests - if all our trees are ash, and the EAB kills all the ash trees, we’re screwed. But if we have a diverse species of trees, EAB will kill ash but leave many of our remaining trees unharmed.

- Are we as humans important when it comes to any or all of the layers of biodiversity?

We have contributed to climate change. Even if you don’t believe that humans contribute to climate change, the reality is that it is happening. And many scientists believe that we are at the beginning of a mass extinction event. But despite our historic reputation, humans have the ability to positively change the environment. Canadian geese are a perfect example of this - they were near extinction and efforts by people to bring them back have wonderfully succeeded. The challenge with many situations is weighing the human cost vs. the environmental cost - how do we reduce damage to ecosystems and particular species when the damage is caused by humans who are trying to make a living (I’m thinking of examples like deforestation for coffee plantations that is frequently led by people who are making their living by harvesting beans - if they can’t harvest enough beans to make a living, they starve. But people in more developed countries then need to take the responsibility to pay more for coffee so the living wage provided to folks participating in the harvesting process and doesn’t require deforestation.)

- Describe 3 ways we as humans impact biodiversity (positive or negative or both).
  1. Habitat destruction - killing and removing key species for ecosystem survival, such as deforestation, apex predators, etc.
  2. Land conservation and management - management practices such as controlled burns, planting native plants, planting trees, etc. help to restore and preserve ecosystem diversity
  3. Although controversial to discuss, humans select seeds and genetically modify seeds to grow in different conditions. Although frequently this can cause problems and reduce biodiversity, it can also be a good thing when you consider that we can select tree seeds to plant in urban areas that are more adapted to tolerate pollution or select seeds to plant of native flowers that are more adapted to survive extreme weather events.

Lesson 2: Nature’s Impact on Child Growth & Development

1. After reading “Children & the Natural Environment”, reflect on the section defining nature experiences found in table 10.1.  What resonated with you from your own experience and why?
  1. I am fortunate enough to have two children with immense imaginations. And for the most part they play very nicely together. They are close friends and usually able to navigate their own issues. However, it is obvious when they have been “cooped up” too much and need outside time. Whether it is because they have too much physical energy that needs to be expressed or because they need new and relaxing stimulation, the outside time is necessary when we get to a certain point. Sometimes they need adult guided activities to get them started - even though they spend time outside all the time, when their stress levels are high or when they’re really tired, having some guidance about what they can do can be helpful. But when they are more relaxed, or when they are not too tired, they can play outside for hours and hours coming up with their own games and working out their own problems.

1. Describe at least three benefits nature has on child development.
  1. Only 3? Better sleep is my favorite. Because good sleep is so important to a person’s well-being. When you spend more time outdoors your circadian rhythms are stronger and you sleep better.
  2. Better self-regulation is another important one. By having better self-regulation, combined with the benefit of problem solving, kids have fewer social-emotional problems and when they do they are more likely to be able to figure out solutions.
  3. Improved physical activity. This is so important for physical development (gross motor skills such as balance) as well as health regarding healthy weight, heart health, etc. Being outdoors provides opportunity and stimulates desire for greater physical activity which leads to so many amazing benefits.

1. How has your nature connection benefited your mental, physical, and cognitive health?

I live in an urban environment - happily. I am glad to live in the city and don’t have any plans to leave. But I greatly value the backyard vegetable garden and the front yard native plant garden that I have created. I spend time in the garden almost every day when the weather is accommodating. It is relaxing and invigorating. It provides stress relief. And it provides an amazing opportunity for me to have positive experiences with my kids, engage them in growing their own food, learning gardening skills, understanding the environment and what a healthy urban ecosystem requires, and so much more.

1. Have you seen any of the positive impacts of nature on children in your work? Describe those that have stayed with you the most.

I don’t think I would do the work I do if I didn’t see a positive impact of it on children. One thing that comes to mind is a response that a student wrote after one of our Trees for Schools programs. She essentially said that the programming we provided made her happy. She was not a native English speaker, so her writing was choppy. But she wrote something along the lines of “trees make me happy, trees let me breathe” but she was clearly talking about it not in the physical sense but more in an emotional sense - that being around the trees let her body relax.

Module 3: Building Capstone: To continue to build your capstone project:

- Create a one page outline providing the main points, themes, and description for what will become your capstone project. You may wish to create this outline in a new google doc, if so - please copy and paste the link to that doc below:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1jjfzHh6r3VP8H0mNMmIwsaU8W8wxOvcm_8JtNVVPZvU/edit?tab=t.0

- Browse through the Children & Nature Network Research Library using keywords related to the specific theme of your capstone project.
  - Find 2 articles that might support your capstone project, link them in your references in your outline.
  - https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-019-44097-3
  - https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/18/10/5146

Graders' comments

It was easy to see how much you retained from the content of Module 3 with your thorough answers and reflections, and it was such a pleasure to read about your experience relating to wellness - both personal and professional. I left more detailed comments in your course journal, thank you so much for sharing Kim!

Great reflections in module 3 Melissa! I shared more specific comments in your journal. As always, I appreciate your thoughtful and thorough responses, and the way you reflect on both your personal and professional experience in your answers. Thank you for sharing!

Thank you for your thoughtful reflections in Module 3 Tanner. It sounds like you learned quite a bit from the Dr. Masino's video, and had great personal and professional reflections and antecdotes to share regarding the benefits of nature for yourself and those around you. Thank you Tanner, I appreciate you sharing!

Alexus, thank you for another fantastic and thorough reflection! I left more comments within your journal, but just wanted you to know how much I've enjoyed learning from your experience and perspective in this course so far. Your reflections are well thought out and intentional, it's clear you're having a high level of engagement with the course content and resources, which is great to see! I think your capstone proposal/outline looks excellent, and a brochure would be such a useful format for this information you're wanting to put together around regenerative agriculture. I'm looking forward to seeing your final capstone here, please let me know if you have any questions about it before you submit. Thanks again Alexus!

Excellent reflections here Pete, thank you! It was great to hear more about your personal reflections regarding the child and nature chapter - it sounds like you absolutely had what they referred to as the "magic moments" during your childhood, I can relate to this so much as my parents also took us across the country on camping and national park trips - all of these memories are so important now to the core of my own nature connection. It's incredible you were able to witness a glacier at a young age like that, and I appreciated how you said that early awe helped you understand the change on a deeper level later on when revisiting as an adult.

I think your capstone summary is looking excellent, this is such a great idea and angle to approach this project, I'm really glad you're able to fit it within your particular needs and interests related to paddling!

Thank you for submitting another thorough reflection Michelle! There was a lot to cover in this module, however it's clear you engaged fully with all the content and topics and had some great reflections for each one. I appreciate the depth and clarity you offered in each of your responses, I thought your answer to a biodiversity related questions was especially poignant - where you mentioned that theoretically we could and do take measures to restore biodiversity as humans, however there are competing value systems within our species that may prevent action from being taken, I thought that was a brilliant and nuanced take to what we're facing today.

Your wellness kit looks fantastic! I hope that might be of use to you in your future programs, or at least helped you brainstorm specific methods you could integrate into your established programs, I also thought it was a great idea when you mentioned incorporating the why behind how nature helps our brains and creativity to your students next time - that is such empowering information for them and I think it's a great idea to speak to that more in our programming.

Your capstone idea looks like it's coming together well, I think that's a great shift to be flexible and come up with a solid list of questions rather than a standard evaluation. I hope this will be useful to you and your team, looking forward to seeing the final product!