Outdoor Education Commons^™

Practitioner's Corner: Nature-Spirit Connection, Joel Light

Taproot: A Journal of Outdoor Education

I have been a Christian and been interested in nature for as long as I can remember. Because these values in my life started at the same time, I see the direct correlation between the two. Growing up on a small hobby farm in Northwest Ohio, I had many opportunities to experience the Creation. From the farm animals that I raised, to the ditches that I explored, to the fields I walked, and the country roads where i searched for signs of wildlife; I was aware of being in and part of the Creation. I was created by the same …

Review Of A Greener Faith, Joshua Bochniak

Taproot: A Journal of Outdoor Education

It is now undeniable that leaders and followers of many religious traditions have taken up the work of increasing environmental stewardship. In the past decade, the number of religious organizations devoted to environmental themes has increased dramatically. In A Greener Faith, Roger S. Gottlieb examines this trend in general and then focuses on what a few major religious traditions are doing in response to our environmental crises. He pays particular attention to what various religions contribute to the struggle, articulating a new religious environmentalism.

News Briefs, Coalition For Education In The Outdoors

Taproot: A Journal of Outdoor Education

This section contains multiple brief news items related to conservation, environment or outdoor education. Some items include "National Parks Clearing Out?" and "Evidence of Water on Mars".

Review Of Evening Thoughts, Charles Yaple

Taproot: A Journal of Outdoor Education

The title and subtitle of Berry's latest book suggest the human race might be at a tipping point. Are we, as the title might infer, an endangered species living in our final days? Is there a hopeful alternative contained in Berry's subtitle if we embrace the "earth as a sacred community?" Readers will find both in the book.

Review Of Nature And The Human Spirit, Dr. Curtis Schatz

Taproot: A Journal of Outdoor Education

Nature and the Human Spirit is a compilation of forty '"chapters" - including the introduction and overview - by fifty scholars and professionals from a wide range of fields. The book examines the "spiritual meanings" nature holds, and the deep psychological and emotional needs met through human interaction with nature to establish a framework for a land management ethic.

Professional Opportunities, Coalition For Education In The Outdoors

Taproot: A Journal of Outdoor Education

This section included numerous opportunities for professional development related to outdoor education and environmental or conservation education. Some of the options included the "North American Association for Environmental Education Conference and Symposium" and "NRPA Congress & Exposition".

News Briefs, Coalition For Education In The Outdoors

Taproot: A Journal of Outdoor Education

This section contains multiple brief news items related to conservation, environment or outdoor education.

Thoughts On Virtual Education, Coalition For Education In The Outdoors

Taproot: A Journal of Outdoor Education

This section explores different perspectives and opinions on virtual reality and technology in the classroom in response to the article "Thoughts on "Virtual Education". The articles featured are as follows:

"Virtual Reality vs. Real Experience: Critical Thinking and Outdoor Education" by Curt Schatz

"Technology and the Influence of American Culture" by Susan Schaefer

Affiliate News, Coalition For Education In The Outdoors

Taproot: A Journal of Outdoor Education

This section contains updates from the Coalition for Education in the Outdoors as well as news about related organizations across the country. This issue included the articles "U. S. Forest Service" and "Center for Environmental Education Workshops".

News Briefs, Coalition For Education In The Outdoors

Taproot: A Journal of Outdoor Education

This section contains multiple brief news items related to conservation, environment or outdoor education.

Some titles include:

Learning Disabilities and Delinquency

Lyme Disease

Fertilizing with Sludge

Contents, Coalition For Education In The Outdoors

Taproot: A Journal of Outdoor Education

The Coalition for Education in the Outdoors is a non-profit network of outdoor and environmental education centers, nature centers, conservation and recreation organizations, outdoor education and experiential education associations, institutions of higher learning, public and private schools, fish and wildlife agencies, and businesses that share a mission the support and furtherance of outdoor education and its goals.

Come Out And Play With Me Poem, Elizabeth Jane Gorman

Taproot: A Journal of Outdoor Education

"Come out and play with me" is a children's poem by Elizabeth Jane Gorman in which the narrator asks a friend to play outside on a nice day.

Envisioning Environmental And Outdoor Education, Charles Yaple

Taproot: A Journal of Outdoor Education

Cliff and some other seasoned veterans see no problem with the multiplication of terms being used to describe the many shapes and forms of environmental and outdoor education and view it "as a sign of health and great opportunity." Others worry about the splintering effect of so many differently named attempts to foster an ecological conscience and commitment to environmental stewardship in a critical mass of humans. What does our movement lose when the general public lacks understanding and a clear vision of what we do? Does confusion about the meaning and objectives of each other's programs hinder collaborative efforts …

Reviews, Coalition For Education In The Outdoors

Taproot: A Journal of Outdoor Education

This section reviewed a mixture of lesson plans, educational videos, and books. These reviews include:

Zebra Mussel Mania (lesson plan reviewed by Patricia MacDonald), and

Nature and the Human Spirit: Toward an Expanded Land Management Ethic (book reviewed by Dr. Curtis Schatz)

Contents, Coalition For Education In The Outdoors

Taproot: A Journal of Outdoor Education

The Coalition for Education in the Outdoors is a non-profit network of outdoor and environmental education centers, nature centers, conservation and recreation organizations, outdoor education and experiential education associations, institutions of higher learning, public and private schools, fish and wildlife agencies, and businesses that share a mission the support and furtherance of outdoor education and its goals.

Environmental And Outdoor Education For The 21st Century, Charles Yaple

Taproot: A Journal of Outdoor Education

As we rapidly approach a new century it seems appropriate to assess the status of environmental and outdoor education and seek direction for the future. One way to do this is to ask counsel of professionals in the field. Taproot editor Charles Yaple interviewed one of the nation's leading environmental and outdoor educators: Dr. Clifford Knapp, Professor of Curriculum and Instruction, Faculty of Outdoor Teacher Education at Northern Illinois University. Dr. Knapp has authored more than 100 articles and several books including Just Beyond the Classroom and Lasting Lessons: A Teachers Guide to Reflecting on Experience. His teaching and scholarly …

Resources, Coalition For Education In The Outdoors

Taproot: A Journal of Outdoor Education

This section contains a listing of teaching resources of all types for those who work in the outdoor education field at time of publication. Some items highlighted include:

Soil and Water Stewardship-- an annually themed curricula for elementary school teachers. This theme focuses on what citizens can do to "...promote and practice positive stewardship."

1997 Native Education Directory-- an expanded directory on American Indian and Alaska Native education from ERIC Clearinghouse on Rural Education and Small Schools.

Environmental Computer Products-- "Geosoft: The Company Ltd. offers environmentally-conscious products as well as information for "the green computing community."

Factoids, Coalition For Education In The Outdoors

Taproot: A Journal of Outdoor Education

This section contains environmental and conservation facts. Some topics include deforestation, migratory birds, and the benefits of mint.

From The Editor, Charles Yaple

Taproot: A Journal of Outdoor Education

This section summarizes the literature and literature reviews featured in this issue. Literature topics include nature and spirituality, wilderness survival stories, and the need to go beyond materialism to re-connect with nature.

Affiliate News, Coalition For Education In The Outdoors

Taproot: A Journal of Outdoor Education

Contains updates from the Coalition for Education in the Outdoors as well as news about related organizations across the country. This issue included the articles "Environmental Education Alternatives", "Shooting Sports Industry Growing", and "Volunteers Care for Access Sites".

Spotlight, Coalition For Education In The Outdoors

Taproot: A Journal of Outdoor Education

This section highlights the article "Norwegian Crosses Antarctica", which describes how Boerge Ousland became the first person to successfully solo-trek across Antarctica and the only trekker to have reached both poles at the time of publication.

News Briefs, Coalition For Education In The Outdoors

Taproot: A Journal of Outdoor Education

This section contains multiple brief news items related to conservation, environment or outdoor education.

News Briefs, Coalition For Education In The Outdoors

Taproot: A Journal of Outdoor Education

This section contains multiple brief news items related to conservation, environment, or outdoor education. Some titles include:

State Requirements/ Bans on Environmental Education

Speaking of Non-indigenous Species ...

Chernobyl 1O Years Later

Affiliate News

Taproot: A Journal of Outdoor Education

This section contains updates from the Coalition for Education in the Outdoors as well as news about related organizations across the country. Articles cover news about the NYSOEA Conference Award, Paul F-Brandwein Institute, and Russian Educators Visiting the U.S.

Shifting Paradigms: A New Look At Animals In The Classroom, Stephen Huddart And Craig Naherniak

Taproot: A Journal of Outdoor Education

So, a metal plate about the size of a placemat- the trim tab-enables course changes on a 200,000 ton bulk carrier traveling at 18 knots! As humane educators, we observe similarly disproportionate effects when, under certain conditions, the care of animals is integrated into the life of a classroom. Here, for example, is a comment from Vancouver teacher Alex Angelomatis, who regularly brings his elderly dog Seymour to school: "Just by being in the classroom, Seymour acts as a catalyst for participation. Shy kids get involved, listening improves, and the class gets along better. From the changes I've seen," he …

Factoids

Taproot: A Journal of Outdoor Education

No abstract provided.

Personal Choice, Peter Truman And Kathy Cassidy

Taproot: A Journal of Outdoor Education

For many of us using group-building activities, the solution to maintaining the integrity of participants lies in supporting their decisions as individuals. "Challenge by Choice" is commonly used in programs that combine individual risk-taking with group-building activities such as rock climbing. The challenge by choice philosophy states that if a participant feels threatened or unsafe with a situation, they reserve the right to step out. However, in order for challenge by choice to be effective, it must be used in conjunction with an environment that suppons an individual's ability to make their own decisions. The pressure felt by an adolescent …

Affiliate News, Coalition For Education In The Outdoors

Taproot: A Journal of Outdoor Education

This issue included a Response to the "Mobil Corporation Article" by Laura Taylor; A View From the Other Side, by the Coalition for Education in the Outdoors; and several updates on outdoor education resources and organization locations.

Book And Product Reviews, Charles Yaple, Cheryl Estes, Coalition For Education In The Outdoors

Taproot: A Journal of Outdoor Education

This section reviewed several books and products.

Books:

• Once Around the Sun by Rick Marsi
• The Private Eye by Kerry Ruef
• Another Wilderness: New Outdoor Writing by Women edited by Susan Fox Rogers

Summer Nectar shampoo, by earth preserv products, was reviewed by the editorial staff COE staff.