ERIC Number: EJ1431057
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2024
Pages: 8
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: EISSN-2475-8779
Changing Elementary Students' Environmental-Based Attitudes Using an Outdoor Learning Experience: Watershed Investigations
K. Fortescue; H. Judkins; D. Stone
Connected Science Learning, v6 n2 p58-65 2024
The Learning Team at The Florida Aquarium in Tampa received funding in 2014 to create and conduct a long-term outdoor learning experience for Hillsborough County, Florida, fifth-grade students. The program was designed with four parts to optimize students' experiences in their local watershed, including both classroom and field activities. This study examined learning gains and trends in student attitudes related to watershed topics. Via pre- and post-assessment, data suggests that students increased their knowledge through this program, and their attitudes became more positive about being able to effect change regarding climate change but not as much when it came to their confidence that they could make an impact on their local waterways. This study provides a strong example of how an informal learning environment can improve knowledge and attitudes of elementary students through an outdoor experience.
Descriptors: Student Attitudes, Elementary School Students, Outdoor Education, Environmental Education, Water, Recreational Facilities, Grade 5, Student Experience, Informal Education, Educational Environment, Learning Experience, Disadvantaged Schools, Field Experience Programs, Outcomes of Education, Partnerships in Education, Class Activities, Scientific Attitudes
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Education; Grade 5; Intermediate Grades; Middle Schools
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Florida
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A