Education Benefits of Green Spaces
Below you will find research and case studies, along with community examples, that demonstrate the educational benefits of green spaces in communities.
Research and Case Studies
'Green Space' at School May Help Kids Learn- This article, published by HealthDay, describes the results of a study conducted in Spain that shows a link between green spaces at schools and improved brain development among schoolchildren.
Nature Play & Learning Spaces- Here are the national guidelines for nature play and learning spaces. This tool defines what a nature play and learning space is and how to create one that engages children in hands-on learning experiences with nature.
No Child Left Inside Act- The NCLI Act of 2011 encouraged and assisted states in the development and implementation of environmental literacy plans to encourage teachers to bring environmental literacy into the classroom.
Community Examples
The Nature Preschool at Irvine Nature Center- This brochure is a great example of how one nature preschool brings nature into the classroom and takes the classroom into nature.
Maryland Green Centers- This is a tool provided by the Maryland Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education that encourages schools in Maryland to become designated green centers.
Sustainability Efforts- P.S. 69 Journey Prep SChool in Bronx, NY received the Green Flag award,
a national honor given to schools who show exceptional leadership, education, and action on school and community environmental issues.
Maryland Agricultural Education Foundation- This non-profit organization acts as a resource guide to help others recognize the important role agriculture plays in our lives.
