USF Scholarship: a digital repository @ Gleeson Library | Geschke Center
Abstract
Science education, especially the discipline of environmental science, carries the unique opportunity to engage and empower urban youth of diverse backgrounds. Environmental science education helps establish a connection between youth and the natural world and helps youth engage in community-based stewardship activities while fostering ecological citizenry. When educators adopt innovative pedagogical approaches, students are better positioned to participate and develop a sustained interest in science. Field-based education transforms science learning and improves youth’s sense of place, self-confidence, and motivation. National and local case-studies of field-based learning programs demonstrate the powerful and transformative impact of using the Environment as a Integrated Context (EIC) as an educational framework. Connecting urban youth to nature has a profound effect on attitudes and behaviors, especially for “at-risk” children. This body of research argues that environmental science education offers the best opportunity for educators to: (1.) engage urban youth to a science discipline, with the goal of decreasing inequalities in science education, (2.) discover and connect students with the outside world through field-oriented projects, (3.) encourage students to support their communities through “eco-citizenry” projects, and (4.) provide a pathway of hope and healing for “at-risk” or troubled youth
