Reconnecting with nature : the child needing to be wild
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Abstract
This creative project recognized that contemporary cultural trends have increased "disconnect" between individuals and their appreciation and practical knowledge of "nature." It addressed the defunct relationship humans often have with nature and focused primarily on how this disconnection effects the lives of children. Research was undertaken to summarize possible reasons for this disconnection and to discover possible corrections to this perceived problem. This research initiative coupled with personal ideation resulted in a design experiment that integrated environmental education with a play environment for elementary school children. Theoretically, this design experiment was implemented on a site-specific level at Storer Elementary School in Muncie, Indiana.