Learning Embedded in Nature

By Storm Meintjes, Learning Experience Designer at the Sustainability Institute

What is learning embedded in Nature?

Learning that is embedded in Nature is a learning approach that empowers learners to acquire knowledge, skills, and understanding through direct interactions with the natural environment. It is based on a recognition of the inherent interconnectedness between humans and the natural world, emphasising that the environment itself serves as a valuable teacher. In this context, learning embedded in Nature goes beyond traditional classroom settings and textbooks.

Instead, it encourages individuals to engage with their surroundings, observe natural processes, and gain insights through firsthand experiences. By directly engaging with natural environments, we reestablish a connection to the Earth, fostering a sense of awe, respect, and interdependence. This direct experience bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and lived reality, igniting a passion for environmental stewardship. It also nurtures a holistic perspective that acknowledges humans as an integral part of the ecosystem, encouraging responsible behaviours and a desire to protect and preserve the planet.

Why is learning embedded in Nature a good idea?

Robin Wall Kimmerer, a renowned Indigenous scientist and author, advocates for a reciprocal relationship between humans and the natural world. She emphasises the importance of learning from and within Nature, viewing it as a teacher and mentor. Kimmerer highlights the wisdom and knowledge embedded in the natural world, which she believes can guide and inspire human actions. She promotes the concept of “biocultural restoration,” which involves restoring ecological health while honouring the cultural practices and knowledge of Indigenous communities. Kimmerer’s perspective embraces the need to listen to and learn from the land, fostering a deep sense of gratitude, reciprocity, and reverence for the natural world. She believes that through this reciprocal relationship, humans can develop a sustainable and harmonious coexistence with the Earth.

Similarly, David Orr, an influential environmental educator and scholar, advocates for learning in Nature as a crucial aspect of education. He emphasises that education must go beyond traditional classroom settings and reconnect students with the natural world. Orr believes that engaging with Nature is not only about learning facts but also about cultivating a deep sense of ecological literacy and environmental responsibility. He argues that by directly experiencing the intricate web of life, students develop a profound understanding of their interdependence with Nature. According to Orr, learning in Nature fosters critical thinking, creativity, and a sense of wonder, preparing students to become active stewards of the Earth and empowering them to create a more sustainable future.

Nature-based learning addresses intellect as well as our other senses, emotions, and physical well-being. Outdoor environments present complex and unpredictable situations that require learners to analyse, assess risks, make decisions, and adapt their strategies accordingly. They learn to navigate challenges, collaborate with peers, and develop resilience and resourcefulness. These skills are transferable to various aspects of life and equip students with the ability to tackle real-world problems effectively.

How can we embed learning in Nature?

At the Sustainability Institute (SI), we understand that moving beyond traditional classroom ways of working can be challenging. So we suggest a phased approach to embedding learning in Nature, starting with small changes to our mindsets and daily routines. Here are 10 ways to incorporate Nature-based teaching in practice:

1. Nature-based Projects: Assign projects that require learners to investigate and interact with Nature. For example, learners can create Nature journals, conduct scientific experiments outdoors, or design and implement environmental conservation initiatives in their school or local community. The learners don’t have to travel far to complete these projects. They can use local community gardens or spaces available to them.

2. Outdoor Classrooms: Take advantage of available outdoor spaces, such as gardens, courtyards, or nearby green areas. Use these spaces as alternative classrooms where lessons can be conducted. Teach subjects like science, art, or writing while students are surrounded by Nature. At the SI, we have a special Outdoor Classroom near our gardens where we facilitate conversations about sustainability in action. But we also use other spots on our campus, like the space underneath the oak trees or benches outside our building to learn in Nature.

3. Nature Walks & Scavenger Hunts: Organise Nature walks or scavenger hunts where learners can actively explore and discover natural elements. Create themed activities, such as identifying different types of plants or animal tracks, collecting samples, or observing seasonal changes.

4. Outdoor Field Trips: Plan (if you have the budget to do so) regular field trips to nearby parks, nature reserves, or outdoor learning centres. Engage learners in hands-on exploration, observation, and data collection activities related to the natural environment. Connect these experiences to curriculum objectives and ask your learners to reflect afterwards.

5. Nature-inspired Arts & Crafts: Integrate art and creativity into Nature-based learning. Ask your learners to create artwork inspired by the natural world, such as painting landscapes, making leaf rubbings, or crafting sculptures using natural materials. You can also combine the Nature walk or scavenger hunt activities mentioned in point three with this one, by asking the learners to first find an object, and then use it to create a work of art with it.

6. Nature-based Literature & Storytelling: Incorporate literature that focuses on Nature and the environment into your curriculum. Read books, poems, or articles that celebrate Nature, conservation, or environmental issues. Encourage learners to write their own Nature-inspired stories or poems.

7. Citizen Science Projects: Engage learners in citizen science initiatives where they contribute to real scientific research efforts. Platforms like eBird, iNaturalist, or Globe Observer enable learners to collect data on bird sightings, plant species, or climate observations, fostering a sense of scientific discovery and environmental participation.

8. Gardening & Sustainable Practices: Establish (if you have the space and resources to do so) a garden where learners can learn about plant life cycles, organic gardening, and sustainable practices. Involve learners in planting, tending, and harvesting crops, which provide hands-on experiences and foster a connection to nature and food sources.

9. Nature Journaling & Reflection: Encourage learners to keep Nature journals, where they can document their outdoor experiences, observations, and reflections. Allow time for them to share and discuss their journal entries, fostering communication and a deeper understanding of the natural world.

10. Collaborate with Local Organisations: Partner with local environmental organisations, Nature centres, or experts who can provide guest lectures, workshops, or resources to support your Nature-based learning journey.

The wonderful thing about Nature-based learning is that it’s not limited to a specific age group or setting. It can be adapted for children, youth, and adults, and implemented in schools, community programs, and informal learning environments. Regardless of the context, learning in and with Nature offers a profound educational experience that cultivates a strong sense of place, ecological literacy, and a connection with the world around us.

Interested in learning more about how the Sustainability Institute works with Nature to design immersive learning experiences? Please visit our website or contact us at info@sustainabilityinstitute.net