Outdoor Science Education and Child Well-being in Primary Schools: Protocol for a Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial on Learning, Connection to Nature, Eco-anxiety, and Stress
This study is investigating if teaching science outdoors can improve how primary school children learn and how they feel about themselves and the environment. Researchers are comparing outdoor science lessons with traditional lessons held inside a classroom. They want to find out if children who learn outdoors make better observations of living things. They also want to see if these outdoor lessons help children feel more connected to nature, reduce worries about the environment (eco-anxiety), and lower stress levels. The study involves children having weekly science lessons for five weeks, either indoors or outdoors, and answering some questions before and after.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This research project aims to understand if learning science outdoors makes a difference to primary school children. We know that being outside can be good for us, and this study wants to see if that applies to school lessons too. The main idea is to compare children who have their science lessons outdoors with those who have them in the usual classroom setting.
The researchers are particularly interested in two things. Firstly, they want to see if children who learn about nature outdoors become better at carefully watching and describing living creatures. This means they will take both groups of children to a natural place they haven't seen before and ask them to make observations. Secondly, the study is looking at how outdoor learning might affect children's feelings. This includes whether they feel more connected to nature, if it helps reduce any worries they might have about the environment (sometimes called eco-anxiety), and if it helps lower their stress levels.
By comparing these two ways of teaching science, the study hopes to provide valuable information about the benefits of outdoor education for children's learning and overall well-being. It's about finding new and engaging ways to help children grow and understand the world around them.
Key takeaways
- This study explores outdoor science learning for primary school children.
- It compares outdoor lessons with traditional indoor classroom teaching.
- Researchers will assess children's learning, connection to nature, and stress levels.
- Children will have weekly science lessons for five weeks and complete questionnaires.
- The aim is to understand the benefits of outdoor education for children's well-being and learning.
Who may be eligible?
This study is specifically looking for primary schools in certain areas of Canada (Montreal, Longueuil, or Laval) that serve communities with a higher need for support. The schools need two teachers who are keen to try outdoor education, even if they haven't done it before.
Only teachers of 5th and 6th grade classes can take part. This means if your child is in a different primary school year, or if your child's school is a special kind of school (like one for new French speakers or alternative learning), they won't be able to join this particular study.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Is your child in 5th or 6th grade at primary school?
- Does your child's school participate in this study in the specified areas (Montreal, Longueuil, or Laval, Canada)?
- Is your child's school a standard primary school (not an alternative school or one specifically for new non-French speaking students)?
- Are there two 5th or 6th grade teachers at the school who are interested in outdoor education?
What does participation involve?
If your child's school and class are chosen for this study, they will take part in science lessons for five weeks. These lessons will be for about two hours each week. Depending on which group they are in, these lessons will either happen outdoors or in their regular classroom.
Before the lessons start and after they finish, your child will be asked to answer some questionnaires. These questions will help the researchers understand how they are feeling and what they have learned. Finally, after all the lessons, there will be a special day trip to a natural environment where children will be asked to observe living things.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Greater Montreal area (Laval, Longueuil, Montreal)Verified postcodeMontreal, Canada· Recruiting
Common questions
What is 'eco-anxiety'?
Eco-anxiety refers to worries and concerns about the current state and future of our environment, like climate change.
Will my child's regular schoolwork suffer?
The outdoor education is part of the science curriculum, so it's incorporated into their regular learning schedule.
Are the outdoor lessons safe?
Safety will be a priority, and teachers will supervise the outdoor activities, just as they do with all school activities.
How will my child's privacy be protected?
All information collected from the questionnaires will be kept confidential and used only for the purpose of the study.
What if my child doesn't like learning outside?
Participation is voluntary, and children's comfort and well-being are important. If your child is unhappy, you can discuss this with the school or researchers.
How to find out more
Gabriela Quintela Do Carmo
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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