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Earth Day: Take Students Outside To Learn On Earth Day 2010
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In recognition of the critical role that environmental and outdoor education play in increasing student achievement, promoting healthy and active lifestyles, and preparing the nation’s youth for 21st century green jobs, the No Child Left Inside Coalition and the Earth Day Network Education team this week called on teachers and schools across the nation to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Earth Day by taking students outside to learn on April 22.
“Get Smart, Get Healthy, and Get Kids Outside. That’s the essence of our message to parents and teachers on the 40th anniversary of Earth Day. Mother Nature is a great teacher." said Don Baugh, Director of the NCLI Coalition and Vice President of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, a founding member of No Child Left Inside Coalition.
The two organizations say they hope every teacher and school in the United States will mark the anniversary by providing time outside for learning activities as part of the school day.
“We know that environmental education improves student achievement, encourages young people to get interested in science, and it certainly supports the new national effort led by First Lady Michelle Obama to reduce childhood obesity," said Baugh.
“The first Earth Day in 1970 inspired millions of youth across America to take action for the environment,” said Sean S. Miller, Earth Day Network Education Director. “Now, we are proud to partner with the No Child Left Inside Coalition to ensure that our next generation is equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in the 21st century.”
President Obama took an important first step when he included funding for environmental education in his proposed budget for the U.S. Department of Education.
"We are so pleased that President Obama recognizes the link between environmental education and an emerging green jobs and clean energy economy," said Baugh. "We think that getting children outside on Earth Day is a great way to send the message to Congress to pass the No Child Left Inside Act this year.”
The No Child Left Inside Act would provide $100 million dollars to states to provide high quality environmental instruction. Funds would support outdoor learning activities both at school and in non-formal environmental education centers, teacher professional development and the creation of state environmental literacy plans.
Many schools were forced by the requirements of the federal No Child Left Behind law to sacrifice subjects like environmental education to spend more time preparing students for high-stakes reading and math tests. Many teachers and parents also report that field trips and time devoted to outdoor learning activities have been cut to give more time to tested subjects.
Environmental education programs can yield extensive benefits. A number of studies have found that students who take part in environmentally-themed lessons do better in science and other core subjects, and are more engaged in learning. Getting outside to learn also encourages a healthy lifestyle, and can alleviate symptoms associated with attention disorders and depression.
The movement to increase outdoor learning and play for children has been picking up dramatic momentum in recent years.
“Across the country, many schools have made learning outside a priority for students, and they have seen the benefits,” Miller said. “But it’s time to make sure that all students have that opportunity. What better time to start than on the 40th anniversary of Earth Day?”
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4/12/2010 |
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