An Exploration of Conectedness to Nature in Teens after Participation in an Expeditionary Science Program
Ogburn B. 2017. An Exploration of Conectedness to Nature in Teens after Participation in an Expeditionary Science Program. Montreat College
ABSTRACT: Connectedness to nature is a measure of how strongly a person feels a part of nature. Research shows that young people who grow up in nature feel more strongly connected to it. Today, urbanization and technology can interfere with young people’s connectedness to nature. Lack of connectedness to nature affects environmental sensitivity and could detract from proenvironmental behavior. Studies find that environmental education (EE) enhances connectedness to nature in youth. Expeditionary science programs like MYLES of Science (MYLES) immerse teens in nature and teach EE and field science. In 2016, 57 MYLES teens (n=57) were surveyed for pre- and post- connectedness to nature scores. The Connectedness to Nature Scale (CNS) and three open-ended questions were used to collect data. Results showed that CNS scores from MYLES participants had an increase of significance. Open-ended questions revealed nature immersion and wildlife experiences as the most noted causes of increased connectedness to nature.
- Type
- Academic
- Authors
- Ogburn, Blair
- Date of Issue
- 2017-06
- Publisher
- Montreat College
- Units
- GRSM
- Keywords
- APHN, Appalachian Highlands Network, backpacking, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, GRSM, hiking, phenology, Purchase Knob, recreation, SER, Southeast Region, summer program, thesis, youth