This document discusses Nature Deficit Disorder (N.D.D.), which refers to the lack of connection young people have with the natural world due to increased time spent indoors using technology. N.D.D. can cause issues like obesity, depression, and lack of creativity. Spending time in nature provides benefits such as improved mental and physical health, learning, and imagination. The document suggests ways to address N.D.D., like nature-based education programs and using local green spaces, in order to provide opportunities for outdoor experiences and reap the advantages of interacting with the natural world.

1. By: Maura Cannon, JenelleJahoda,Antoine King,Holly Shinkle, and Carolyn SuchyNature Deficit Disorder

2. What does nature mean to you?

3. Nature Deficit Disorder is not a medical condition.Lack of a relationship to the environment “Nature-Deficit Disorder” was coined by author Richard Louv in his book “Last Child in the Woods” N.D.D. is what happens and has happened to young people who become disconnected from their natural worldGeneration Y & Generation Zhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OyhRzZbU1i4What is Nature Deficit Disorder?

4. Barriers in Creating Connections to NatureTechnology“I like to play indoors better, ‘cause that’s where all the electrical outlets are.” (Louv)Lack of nature experiences/exposureNegative perceptions of outdoorsA study found that young people could identify 1,000 corporate logos but fewer than 10 plants or animals native to their backyard.

5. 56% of parents today were allowed to walk or bike to school alone when they were 10 years old, only 36% of parents would allow their own children to do the same.Children today have less freedom to roam outdoors than those of previous generationsCauses lack of self-confidence and self-esteemReflected by risks or lack of risks later in lifeSafe vs. Overprotective?

6. 91% of parents blame TV, computers, and video games for their children's lack of interest in the outdoorsAverage of 3 hours of television per day (CDC, 2009)Busier schedules when returning home from school, kids are pressured to finish homework before allowed outside (Jon Henley 2010)What is causing N.D.D.?

7. Cultural/institutional- growing laws, education trends with technologyStructural- the way cities are shapedLack of green-spacePersonal/family- time, pleasure, and fearWhat else is causing N.D.D.?

8. Obesity400% increase in childhood obesity since the 1960’s (California Department of Education Study, 2005)DepressionAttention problemsLack of imagination and creativityOutcomesof N.D.D.

9. Improves children’s healthDecreases chances of obesityChildren the age of 5 show decrease in A.D.D. symptoms when engaged in natureImproves ability to learnCritical thinkingProblem solvingDecision makingLanguage skillsBenefits of Nature“Unlike television, nature does not steal time; it amplifies it.” (Louv)

10. “Nature inspires creativity in a child by demanding visualization and the full use of the senses.” (Louv)

11. Nature offers a separate world from parents & confusionFreedom, fantasy, and privacyPlace of wonder & exploration Improves imagination, creative expression, and social interactionsMore benefits of nature

12. Use the local community, including nature, as the ideal classroomEnvironmental Education (E.E. & I.S.)Studies show that: Schools that use nature-based experiential education see considerable student growth in social studies, science, language arts, and mathStudents in outdoor science programs improved their science test scores by 27%How do we resolve this growing issue?

13. Just 5min “green exercise” can produce rapid improvements in mental wellbeing and self esteem-University of Essex study 2010http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3vgC3qCbGk&feature=relatedCreate enjoyable programs which immerse youth into nature“One of my students told me that every time she learns the name of a plant she feels as if she is meeting someone new. Giving a name to something is a way of knowing it.”http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=--QbN8TbWsETake the time

14. Nature provides a haven for exploration and learningMental & physical benefitsTechnology can be both help and a hindranceOveruse of technology vs. use to improve quality of lifeEducationA Good Place to Leave Off

15. (2010). Last child in the woods. Ecos, (155), 18. Retrieved from Academic Search Premier database.James, P., Henderson, K., & Garst, B. (2008). Camp Directors' Beliefs Regarding Nature-Deficit Disorder and Camp. Camping Magazine, 81(4), 1-8. Retrieved from SPORTDiscus with Full Text database.Louv, R. (2009). Do Our Kids Have Nature-Deficit Disorder?. Educational Leadership, 67(4), 24-30. Retrieved from Academic Search Premier database.Louv, R. Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder.http://www.livestrong.com/article/48744-side-effects-overprotective-parenting/References