Understanding youth relationships with nature--what nature is, where nature is located, and why nature is meaningful--is important for a range of contemporary issues, from promoting health and well-being to advancing a sustainable future. Relationships with nature are profoundly influenced by the lived experiences of youth, as they form social…

Place-based education (PBE) offers teachers a unique opportunity to increase engagement and academic outcomes while strengthening students' connections to their environment and inspiring future conservation. In most instances, classroom teachers must independently choose to implement PBE, such as when discussing topics surrounding wildlife and the…

The people around us - as well as the methodical progression of education through content - often shape our relationship to the world. Currently, Earth is at a crossroads, which requires humans to act and live more sustainably with an intentional environmental ethos, whether for literal survival or for slowing Earth's resource degradation.…

The voices of district leaders, principals, teachers, and students at two award-winning schools both encourage and challenge the reader to reflect on going green.

This paper explores experiences that remained salient in the memories of former participants in three nature-based programs in Colorado, five to forty years after childhood involvement. Interviews with program founders and staff, archival research, and observations of current activities provided an understanding of each program's history, mission…

Green schools have moved into a new era that focuses on building a culture of sustainability in every aspect of learning in schools. In the early stages of sustainability education, the focus was on recycling and turning off the lights. Now, students and adults together are moving into the areas of advocacy and action that are based on a deep…

This case study examines how energy conservation efforts in one public high school contributed to both sustainability education and the adoption of sustainable behavior within educational and organizational practice. Individual role models, school facilities, school governance and school culture together support both conservation and environmental…

Self-awareness, cultural competency, environmental consciousness, and economic empathy are often achieved through study abroad travel experiences. This phenomenological study was intended to shed light on the international backpacking study abroad experiences for college students, describing the phenomenon from the perspective of the participants…

Development of an environmental study area in conjunction with a school landscaping project is outlined in this model. The Pueblo (Colorado) Regional Planning Commission and the Pueblo Beautiful Association determined the need for landscaping school grounds. Together with a school district committee of teachers and community leaders interested in…

The governor of Colorado explores two views related to causes of energy shortage: inadequate supply and excessive demand. Supports both increased supply and decreased demand, but offers reasons for conservation and adjustment in habits and thinking. The synthetic fuels program of Colorado is mentioned as an example. (CS)

Explores the natural forces that created the Colorado Plateau, examines a few of the myriad plants and animals inhabiting the six life zones on the plateau, and provides an overview of the challenges faced by land managers seeking to care for the plateau's extraordinary life and land forms. Contains 17 references. (WRM)

This guide contains examples of volunteer projects related to solid waste management. Volunteering provides the opportunity to enjoy new experiences, meet new people, learn new skills, and put ideas and talents to work. The stories included in this guide are: (1) Raucous Revelry and Recycling: Penn State Beaver Stadium Post-Game Recycling…

The unit experiences for the K-12 curriculum guide, including these for grade 5, are outlined in SO 001 139. These units include the study of the culture, history, geography, and economics of regions of the United States. The depth study of Colorado draws relationship between the state, the nation, and the world. The emphasis for both grade 5 and…

The unit experiences for the K-12 curriculum, including these for grade 1, were designed by the district staff to achieve a more comprehensive knowledge of the world in which we live; to develop the ability to think critically and creatively; to use inquiry and problem solving skills in human relations situations; to understand major social…

The Colorado Outdoor Education Center aims to educate the total person by offering programs which help each individual to gain a sense of the earth, of community, and of self. At High Trails the students are brought into direct contact with nature, utilizing small groups and emphasizing direct experiences. The integrated, multi-disciplinary…