Title: We Are Nature: Rethinking Our Relationship with the Natural World
Course: Nature & Human Wellness eeCourse > Section: Module 4: Leveraging our Interconnection: Strategies & Implementation

Recognizing our Interconnection

Recognizing our interconnectedness with nature not only deepens our understanding of our place in the world but also underscores the urgency of protecting and restoring the natural systems that sustain life. As educators, by working to understand this interconnectedness and integrate this understanding within our own educational goals and practices, we have the power to improve not only the learning outcomes for our students, but also the holistic health and development of our students over their entire lifetime.

By rethinking our relationship with the natural world and embracing our identity as part of nature, we can foster healthier lifestyles, cultivate a greater sense of environmental responsibility, and work towards a more sustainable future for ourselves and the planet.

Rethinking our Relationship with the Natural World

The increasing call to rethink our relationship with the natural world stems from growing recognition of the profound impact that nature has on our physical and mental health, as well as on the health of the planet. As we’ve learned throughout the course, spending time in nature plays a critical role in the health and well-being of children and adults alike. This is because, from a scientific standpoint, we are not separate from nature; rather, we are deeply interconnected with it. Our bodies and minds are shaped by the natural world—from the air we breathe and the water we drink, to the microorganisms that inhabit our bodies and the ecosystems that sustain us.

TASK: As a final task, watch this video to learn more about the growing call for our need to rethink our relationship with the natural world:  “Is it time to reassess our relationship with nature?”

Final Capstone Submittal Reminder

As a final Capstone Project, you will integrate what you learned from this course by creating a final project designed to help you advocate for the importance of our interconnection with the natural world within your own communities and practice. Your project can be specific to your particular interest within the interLesson of nature and human wellness, and should aim to include the following:

- Integrates some of the science, theories, or benefits you learned about throughout this course around the importance of human and nature connection
- Tells a story - people who see your final product will walk away with a deeper understanding of the link between nature and health
- Provides/suggests actionable items to increase nature access and connection within your particular practice or community
- Incorporates your specific interest, passion, or expertise in the broad field of human and nature connection
- Meets the standards of your practice (example, lesson plan aligns with state standards, action plan aligns with community engagement best practices, etc)

**NOTE: Your final capstone project can take on whatever form or template works best for you, considering your interests, goals, and settings. Project templates can include any of the following to help you synthesize your learning and share the message of the benefits of nature to humans:

- Creating an action plan or “nature wellness kit” for increasing nature-based interventions in your community of practice (see example template here)
- Creating an infographic
- Creating a slideshow presentation
- Creating a lesson plan designed to foster nature connection for health and wellness
- Writing a science communication article, breaking down the science of a particular concept within nature and human connection, and providing strategies to viewers to increase their nature connection

Your capstone project will need to be submitted by the end of the course date in order to receive your course certificate. It’s important to note - rather than being busy work, we’re wanting this project to create a meaningful tangible product you can build during this course and use to improve your own community of practice. The course is designed to empower you with knowledge and strategies for increasing nature connection, and we’re here to support your efforts!