Nature is the best Physician
According to the David Suzuki Foundation, the average North American child spends less than 30 minutes playing outside each day, and more than seven hours in front of a screen. However, there is extensive research that demonstrates time outside makes children healthier, happier and smarter. Studies show time in nature can: Reduce stress and symptoms of attention deficit disorders, boost immunity, energy levels and creativity, increase curiosity and problem-solving ability, improves physical fitness and co-ordination and reduce the likelihood of needing glasses for nearsightedness
This session explores the benefits of nature and the natural world on our health and assesses the barriers to interacting with it.
This session explores the benefits of nature and the natural world on our health and assesses the barriers to interacting with it.
ACTIVITY: A TIME TO SHARE
Share a selection of your images and stories of the activities and adventures that you have been undertaking with your family and friends over the last week.
Share a selection of your images and stories of the activities and adventures that you have been undertaking with your family and friends over the last week.
ACTIVITY: MAPPING YOUR JOURNEY TO SCHOOL
Return to the memory maps that you created last week on your journey to school. Add additional natural features to it that you have identified on your journeys to school over the last week. Share what you have seen with your group, but as you do so, remember the skills of being an active listener. Reflection: Was there anything that really stood out that you saw on there journey? Why did you feel that you had not noticed some of these features before? How did you feel when they saw them? |
ACTIVITY: WHY IS NATURE IMPORTANT TO OUR HEALTH
Based on the discussions in the last activity and your own knowledge, in groups develop a spider diagram outlining what you currently know with regards to the benefits of the natural world on our health.
You will now review a series of infographics outlining the benefits of nature and the outdoors on our health. These infographics have some key evidence and facts on them, however, how do we know this is correct? Use the skills and tools outlined previously to help you find reliable sources for this evidence to ensure that it is valid. Add each point to your spider diagram and try and include the following:
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ACTIVITY: WHAT ARE THE BARRIERS TO GOING OUTDOORS IN HONG KONG
Now you are aware of the benefits of being in nature, what are the barriers that prevent you from going outside and spending more time in the natural world? Identify theses barriers and associate a colour, image and symbol to each. Brainstorm various solutions to each of the barriers you have identified. Rank these solutions for the two or three most common barriers in your group based on the below.
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