Author: adella ms s

Environmental Education
Research suggests that natural environments, within and apart from the school setting, positively affects a youths academic achievement, self-awareness, and relationship to community (Louv, 2005; Sobel, 2004, 2005). The natural environment offers a versatile atmosphere for youth who may normally feel alienated and unsupported in a traditional school setting. Accompanied by an environment education structure, the natural world encourages and creates opportunities within and beyond the academia. Youth who take part in Environmental Education (EE) are more likely to see a rise in self-expression, understanding, esteem, and confidence while simultaneously gaining skills in leadership, problem-solving, team-building, communication, and trust as they become stewards of the natural
environment.
(Louv, 2005; Sobel, 2004, 2005,)

REEVES MS MISSION STATEMENT
We believe that Reeves Middle School must foster thinking, learning and responsibility in our students and staff. Through diverse programs, we promote mutual respect, a sense of self-worth and an appreciation for lifelong learning. Our school provides opportunities for every student to make decisions and to know their consequences. We recognize the value of individual contributions to the larger community.

WAC 180-50-115 (2000): “[i]nstruction about conservation, natural resources, and the environment shall be provided at all grades in an interdisciplinary manner through science, the social studies, the humanities, and other areas with an emphasis on solving problems of human adaptation to the environment

Local Resources:
~Komachin Middle School
~Tumwater Elementary School
~Chehalis Basin Education Consortium
Literature:
~ Last Child in the Woods, Richard Louv
~ Place-Based Education, David Sobel
~project WILD, Western Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies and Western Regional Environ mental Education Council
On-Line Resources:
~Environmental Education Association of WA; www.eeaw.org
~Pacific Education Institute; www.pacificeducationinstitute.org
~NW Environmental Education Council; www.nweec.org

Rooted in education; rooted in community
A look at Environmental education at Reeves Middle school

Rooted in Education...
Rooted in Community

Environmental Education
The learning process that increases people’s knowledge and awareness about the environment and associated challenges, develops the necessary skills and expertise to address the challenges, and fosters attitudes, motivation, and commitments to make informed decisions and take responsible action.
Experiential Learning
The process through which a learner constructs knowledge, skill, and value from direct experiences. Experiential education is a philosophy and methodology in which educators purposefully engage with learners in a direct experience and focused reflection in order to increase knowledge, develop skills and clarify values.
Nature Deficit Disorder
Describes the human costs of alienation from nature, among them: diminished use of the senses, attention difficulties, and higher rates of physical and emotional illnesses.

Challenges in the Classroom
.

Apathy

Distracted

Barriers

Unaware

EE utilized
as an
Effective Learning Tool

Attentiveness

Engaged Learning

Increased
number of
Successful
Students

Environmentally Aware Citizens

RESULTS

PARENTS AND TEACHERS
AGREE…
EE would be an effective learning
tool for students at RMS
Hands-on learning is key to
overall student success
Utilizing the immediate
environment for learning
increases engagement
Incorporating local surroundings
enhances local ownership
Teaching about the environment
encourages responsible
stewards

...Rooted in Community