STEM in Nature
Updated: Nov 10, 2024
During week 2, the content emphasized the importance of connecting to nature and the environment no matter what activity we are involved in, whether it is planting a plant or installing a renewable energy system or solar panel. It is important to understand the environment and get connected to nature. As an educator in these times, we all know that with the existence of technology and social media, children and youth are spending more time playing video games and connecting through screens. Most of the time, they miss the biggest part of their childhood indoors and do not connect to nature or explore outdoors. This is concerning because it can lead to a lack of physical activity, decreased creativity, and a decrease in problem-solving skills. Additionally, spending too much time on screens can lead to an increased risk of mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.
The shift in technology, modernization, and industrialization of the last century have caused environmental challenges to the world. As also mentioned in the policy document Acting Today Shaping Tomorrow 2009, the world is facing complex environmental and social issues, and they believe education can play a key role. This policy document introduces environmental education to be taught at school, which has two main areas: environment and climate change. To ensure that the next generation is prepared to face these challenges, environmental education should be actively promoted and integrated into school curriculums.
It is interesting to see the shift as the Acting Today Shaping Tomorrow 2009 outlines that there is no universal model for the implementation of environmental education versus the Natural Curiosity 2018 document where they provided a clear four-branched framework of Inquiry-based learning, Experiential learning, Integrated learning, and Environmental Stewardship. The Natural Curiosity policy document also provides direct links to Indigenous perspectives. Some of the indigenous perspectives mentioned in Natural Curiosity include; a strong sense of spirituality, a deeply rooted sense of place, a recognition that everything is related and an emphasis on reciprocity. These Indigenous perspectives provide an important context for understanding the interconnectedness and interdependence of the natural world. They also emphasize the importance of respecting the land, water, plants, and animals and of living in balance with the environment and with others.
The following website has tremendous amount of resources for educators on how to incorporate natural curiosity and building environmental stewardship in a classroom.
Emphasis on sense of place
Expanding on the idea of Place-based learning in connection with the Natural Curiosity 2018 document’s emphasis on a deeply rooted sense of place, this methodology aligns closely with Indigenous perspectives, fostering a more meaningful and tangible connection to the environment.
Place-based learning takes education beyond the classroom and into the natural world, allowing students to learn directly from the places where they live. By doing this, it encourages a sense of belonging and responsibility to the land. In the video on place-based learning, the connection between this approach and Indigenous teachings becomes clear. Indigenous cultures often emphasize that learning comes from the land itself, that the land teaches us how to live, and that everything is interconnected. A deeply rooted sense of place means understanding not just where we are physically, but how we fit into the broader natural world. This perspective encourages a spiritual and practical respect for the land, water, plants, and animals.
What resonates with me personally is how place-based learning fosters not only environmental awareness but also holistic learning. It opens the door to integrating subjects like math, art, language, and social studies in ways that feel natural and relevant. For example, students can measure the height of trees (math), write poems inspired by nature (language arts), and learn about the history of the land they inhabit (social studies). This integrated approach mirrors how the natural world operates—everything is connected, and learning should reflect that.
The video’s final message, which says that this connection can lead to a deeper understanding of the environment, captures something I find essential. By developing this bond with the land, students are more likely to see themselves as part of the ecosystem, fostering a sense of responsibility. This connection can inspire them to become stewards of the planet, advocating for its preservation.
Dana McCauley’s quote, "when you can help kids see the impact they can have in their own little corner of the world, then they can make changes in a much more global arena later on," encapsulates why place-based learning is so powerful. It starts by empowering students locally—helping them understand that even small actions matter. When students learn to care for and impact their immediate environment, they are more likely to carry that sense of stewardship with them into broader, global contexts. This aligns with the Indigenous perspective that everything is related; what happens in one part of the world affects the whole.
This approach not only makes learning more engaging and relevant but also instills a deeper sense of purpose and connection to the environment, helping students see the importance of their role in preserving the planet. In a world facing increasing environmental challenges, this kind of education is more critical than ever.
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