Abstract

LIMA, M. Alexandra Abreu. Can tree collections be living museums for outdoor education? Reflections upon a case study about pecan and pistachio tree collections. Invest. Práticas [online]. 2022, vol.12, n.2, pp.103-125.  Epub Sep 28, 2022. ISSN 2182-1372.  https://doi.org/10.25757/invep.v12i2.308.

Environmental and outdoor educators acknowledge the importance of connecting young people to nature, yet current education systems functions within frameworks that need to enhance such connection. This paper adds to the growing literature on the way outdoor learning spaces can be used and valued as part of learning practices to promote young students’ connection to nature. These are increasingly relevant topics due to phenomena of nature deficit disorder (Louv, 2005) and plant awareness disparity (Hiatt et al., 2021), which challenge education systems to overcome them. This study is focused on outdoor learning initiatives about tree collections of Pecan [Carya illinoensis (Wangenh.) K. Koch] and Pistachio (Pistacia vera L.). It follows the Action Research method that involves the actions developed, their analysis and discussion. With a sample of 130 students, aged between 15 and 17, the initiatives to visit tree collections prove to be beneficial in favoring the connection of young people to nature, enriching school curricula and students’ knowledge about plant biodiversity. Pre-tests results evidenced existing students’ knowledge gaps about these non-native trees. Pecans were less known for most of students (unknown for 83 %) than pistacia (unknown for 61%).

Keywords : Nature connection; Outdoor learning; Education for sustainable development.

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