Research
Research shows that environmental education can improve academic outcomes, provide mental health benefits, increase physical activity and encourage beneficial, cooperative play. Use the resources below to find more information.
Research shows that green schoolyards offer a range of benefits. Visit the Green Schoolyards Research site to see studies linked to these findings:
Natural schoolyards decrease stress, strengthen attention, reduce behavior problems, and enhance factors associated with resilience in children of all ages
Green urban landscapes benefit school-level academic performance
Garden-based learning is associated with improved academic performance and teacher-observed self-confidence and self-esteem in at-risk students
Regular classes in outdoor settings can promote students’ learning, health, social development, and concern for the environment
NAAEE actively engages in and supports evidence-based research across the complex field of environmental education. Working with outstanding partners, NAAEE has led the way on several important initiatives that advance our understanding of how best to practice and communicate about EE.
The Children & Nature Network curates and summarizes peer-reviewed scientific literature to help build the evidence base for advancing the children and nature movement.
The Environmental Education Research Bulletin is a collaborative project between Dr. Nicole Ardoin at Stanford University, ChangeScale, and the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE). The bulletins synthesize and summarize research from journals focused on issues pertaining to environmental education.