12th Annual SEEA Conference & Research Symposium

The integration of experiential learning, environmental education, and curriculum studies within the framework of nonviolence education are deeply connected. Raising awareness about the relationship between human behavior and environmental degradation are considered forms of violence against nature. By supporting a transformative learning environment, this will allow for the encouragement of students to analyze how this affects humans and ecological systems. The use of experiential learning may develop empathy for ecosystems through immersive experiences and create a practice of problem-solving and critical thinking in a real-world context. By incorporating environmental education into the curriculum, this may foster a stewardship behavior toward the environment and grasp sustainability concepts through active participation. The outcomes of an in-person environmental education program in the schools may result in enhanced student engagement, critical consciousness, empowered actions, and sustainable curriculum development.

Project Learning Tree is an organization that prioritizes environmental education for youth by providing teaching resources for educators to use. These resources provide a way for educators to take learning outside along with exposing their students to environmental processes and show how humanity is part of the environment, while using trees and forests as their primary lens. These resources can be used at multiple grade levels, and some are more specific to certain grade levels. Green Jobs guide is one such resource, that provides excellent, in-depth activities that educators can use with older students and students that are about to enter the workforce. The activities in this guide offer insights into what those who work in the forestry sector does, as well provide scenarios that model real-world decision-making situations regarding forested areas. Equity and inclusion are also something that PLT strives for. To showcase that, they have two other resources that may be helpful for some educators: Journeys - Black Faces and Green Spaces and Explora Tu Ambiente - K-8 Activity Guide. The former offers experiences of African American professionals within the forestry and natural resources job sector, providing their journey to their current careers. The latter is a version of the Explore Your Environment - K-8 guide that has been revised for educators who teach students that use Spanish as their first language. These three guides provide insights into careers and ways to interact with individuals in a manner that may let them be seen and heard.