Giving urban children practical ecological experience

A school in Denmark has set up a greenhouse on site, that contains a large pond supporting a freshwater ecosystem. The objective is to give the children, who have otherwise little contact with nature, an opportunity to work with practical ecology. Each class looks after the greenhouse for a month, feeding the fish, watering the plants, cleaning it, checking air and water temperatures, humidity, and water nitrate content. Two or three children are always responsible for looking after it. The greenhouse is being integrated into biology classes.

1. Humans evolved in nature, and we are an integral part of nature. These fundamental and primordial bonds have been loosened by the material greed with which we have build our modern society, clouding our respect and instinctive understanding of nature's laws, her limits. Today's environmental degradation from our activities is testimony to that. As a species, we need to come full circle and re-kindle our ties to nature, so that we may live in sustainable harmony with her in our modern world. There is no better way to start than by teaching children who have little contact with nature, those principles.

1. Using innovative teaching methods in environmental education
2. Providing environmental education in schools
3. Enhancing environmental awareness

1. Expanding role of children and youth in sustainable development

1. Sharing of environmental education costs by local communities with richer assisting poorer communities
2. Offering environmental health studies for young people
3. Including youth in task forces on environmental education
4. Improving community capacity for environmental education
5. Designing urban environments for children

1. Abstaining from environmental education

1. Decline of human relationship to nature

1. Inexperience
2. Experience