Children and Green Spaces An Assessment of Schoolyards in Manatee County

Date of Award

2006

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelors

Department

Natural Sciences

First Advisor

Lowman, Margaret

Keywords

Education, Environment, Elementary School, Recess, Childhood, Green Space, Playground

Area of Concentration

Environmental Studies

Abstract

This paper looks at the use of green space by school children and its importance in facilitating environmental stewardship. It also addresses the importance of exposure to nature in terms of childhood learning and behavioral patterns. In our society of technology and declining opportunities for nature related experiences, today�s youth are increasingly detached from their surroundings. To reverse this trend, wild spaces need to be incorporated into the daily activities of the next generation. School is the greatest common denominator between children from all socio-economic backgrounds and in all areas of the country, so I have surveyed school grounds in Manatee County to determine if they are providing such exposure. The results herein reflect visits and observations conducted at five elementary schools in the county. I�ve also reported on a small garden project that I initiated at the local Boys and Girls Club. My discussion centers around the national importance of creating nature interactions for children to assure sustainable future.

Rights

This bibliographic record is available under the Creative Commons CC0 public domain dedication. The New College of Florida, as creator of this bibliographic record, has waived all rights to it worldwide under copyright law, including all related and neighboring rights, to the extent allowed by law.

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