Grand Haven Tribune.com
Program, bill aim to connect students with nature
Tue, Apr 22, 2008
BY PETER DAINING
P.J. Hoffmaster State Park Naturalist Elizabeth Brockwell-Tillman says the first step to environmental education is stepping outside the classroom.
Over the past 20 years, Brockwell-Tillman has noticed more children are uncomfortable outdoors, showing a lack of experience under the sun.
"The kids we have today are scared of every little sound outside, because it's foreign to them," she said. "There are some kids in Muskegon who haven't seen Lake Michigan, and it's right down the street from them."
That's one reason why Brockwell-Tillman keeps track of the national No Child Left Inside legislation, and why Hoffmaster is hosting seventh-grade students from Lakeshore Middle School today for No Child Left Inside Day.
"I think nature education is very important to any of us who live along the shoreline," said Robby Cramer, science coordinator for Grand Haven Area Public Schools. "Not only will they take more ownership, but it will benefit them with a healthier lifestyle."
The students will be at Hoffmaster from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., and will spend most of the day outside. They'll learn about the Great Lakes, sand dunes, wildlife, forests and also tour the visitors center.
Brockwell-Tillman said there has been a fundamental shift in nature education over the last several year in part because of the increase in child obesity. She said there is now much more emphasis on showing children how to enjoy the outdoors.
The kids will also use tools like hand lenses and thermometers, which Brockwell-Tillman says helps them take an interest in nature.
"Most of the kids go outside and they just look at this little square around themselves," she said. "What's a challenge is pointing out something to them that catches their interest and gets them to focus."
Similar Earth Day events are being held this week at each of the state's visitors centers, and Gov. Jennifer Granholm designated April 22-27 No Child Left Inside Days.
"A national movement has been initiated to reconnect children and nature, and it is in our state's interest to join this initiative and reconnect Michigan's children with their birthright of clean and healthy outdoor recreation," her certificate of proclamation said.
It's no accident that the Governor's No Child Left Inside proclamation shares a name with national legislation.
The No Child Left Inside bills, currently in U.S. house and senate committees, would provide funding for environmental literacy plans and an environmental education grant program.
Along with the No Child Left Inside events, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources asked students to pledge to spend an hour a day outside, with suggested activities such as bird watching and star gazing.
Lakeshore Middle School Principal Julie Houle said the students will end the day at Hoffmaster by cleaning up the beach.
"We certainly need to be enjoying our parks and getting our kids out and enjoying fresh air," she said.
Hoffmaster is also celebrating Earth Day with several events starting 9 a.m. Saturday, including bird hikes, nature-made product displays, a recycled clothing fashion show and a live Michigan animal program.