Looking for scientific, data-driven research supporting the benefits of the forest school approach, outdoor education, and emergent curriculum? You have come to the right place. This research will come in useful when making your case to stakeholders.
Do experiences with nature promote learning? Converging evidence of a cause-and-effect relationship by Kuo, M., Barnes, M., Jordan, C., (2019)
Young children claiming their connection with nonhuman nature in their schoolground by Tsevreni, I., Tigka, A., (2018)
Exposure to natural environments can improve the functioning of working memory, attentional control, and cognitive flexibility by Stevenson, M., Schilhab, T., Bentsen, P., (2018)
Benefits of Connecting Children with Nature: Why Naturalize Outdoor Learning Environments by Natural Learning Initiative
If children lose contact with nature they won’t fight for it by George Monbiot
Natural Childhood Report by UK National Trust
Forest School Research Summary by Social and Economic Research Group of UK Forest Research
Natural Thinking: Investigating the links between the Natural Environment, Biodiversity, and Mental Health by Dr. William Bird for the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds
Young Children and Nature: Outdoor Play and Development, Experiences Fostering Environmental Consciousness, And the Implications on Playground Design by Ashley Parsons
Can Bacteria Make You Smarter? by American Society for Microbiology
Children and Nature Network Research Library
Whole Child: Developing Mind, Body and Spirit Through Outdoor Play from the National Wildlife Federation
The Key to Better Students is Getting Them Outside by Katie Arnold