Title: Defining Nature Connection
Course: Nature & Human Wellness eeCourse > Section: Module 1: Course Introduction

This lesson will ask you to reflect on your own relationship with nature, and learn more about how researchers are defining and thinking about nature connection.

Defining Nature Connection

Before we dive into this course, we invite you to take a moment to reflect on your own personal relationship with nature. Nature connection refers to our emotional bond and sense of affinity with the natural world, encompassing feelings of interconnectedness, awe, and belonging. Consider your experiences in nature, the emotions evoked by natural settings, and the role that nature plays in your life. Understanding and nurturing our connection to nature is essential for promoting both personal well-being and environmental conservation.

TASK: What is nature connection, and how do we measure it? Read below to learn more about one way this question is being explored.

The Nature Connectedness Scale (NCS) is a psychometric tool used to assess an individual's sense of connection with nature (Mayer & Frantz, 2004). This scale evaluates dimensions such as emotional, cognitive, and behavioral connection to nature, providing insights into an individual's overall level of nature connectedness. The NCS is a valuable tool for researchers and practitioners who are interested in studying the human psychological relationships with nature and can be adapted and used by educators seeking to measure improvements in nature connectedness through environmental education strategies.

TASK: Take the Nature Connectedness Scale (NCS) Survey to learn more about your own relationship with the natural world: Nature Connectedness Survey

Optional - To learn more about how to adapt this scale to meet your evaluation needs as an educator, review this guide: “Practitioner Guide to Assessing Connection to Nature”

Journal Reflection

After taking the Nature Connection Survey, reflect on the following prompts in your course journal on your own time:

- Share how your nature connectedness measurement is meaningful to you.

- How has nature impacted you personally?

- How have you seen nature’s impact in your profession?