There’s a lot of exciting research out there about how being out in nature can impact human health. The Natural Inquirer team recently presented at the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) conference in Denver about bringing nature and the classroom together.
Here are some of our resources (all free!) that we highlighted:
"A Green Bill of Health"
First, we have our monograph “A Green Bill of Health.” This publication presents a study about how greening vacant lots in Philadelphia affected nearby residents’ self-reported mental health.
Our student review class for this publication had a great discussion about how they felt walking by vacant lots and what impact greening might have on their community. The monograph includes reflection questions and an activity to get your students thinking about these questions, too!
- Written for middle or high school students
- Based on published, peer-reviewed research
- Includes an activity about the connection between nature and mental health
- Order or download for free
Nature Health Benefits LIVE
Next, we have our virtual learning adventure, Nature Health Benefits LIVE. This series of 3 videos (each about 10 minutes long) shares research on how nature can impact our physical, mental, and emotional health.
Experts then answer student-submitted questions about nature and human health in the 4th episode.
Each episode is paired with an outdoor challenge to get you and your students thinking about the impact of nature on our health.
- Episode 1: Nature and Your Physical Health
- Episode 2: Nature and Your Mental Health
- Episode 3: Can Greening Vacant Lots Affect Mental Health? (A Research Study)
- Episode 4: Questions and Answers with the Experts
NSI: Nature Science Investigator
Finally, we have Nature Science Investigator (NSI)–an activity booklet designed for upper elementary and middle school students to use outdoors.
Don’t have an outdoor classroom? No problem! The NSI can be used on the playground or at home, too.
Students learn about 11 different scientists and then get to do some activities where they become the scientist! All they need is a pencil.
- 11 different scientists
- Simple, hands-on activities
- No special supplies or equipment - just a pencil!
- Order or download for free
- Available in English and Spanish
We have more articles and activities about the connection between nature and human health, so just search “nature health benefits” on our website.
And check out our blog post from a guest blogger, Syamon, who was inspired by Nature Health Benefits LIVE to spend some more time out in nature herself.
