The design of children’s outdoor activities: sustainability and early learning experiences

TY - CHAP

T1 - The design of children’s outdoor activities

T2 - 8th European Academy of Design International Conference

AU - Wood, Fiona

AU - Baxter, Seaton

AU - Bruce, Fraser

PY - 2009

Y1 - 2009

N2 - There is little doubt that the objects and daily patterns of children’s play are changing, often to the detriment of outdoor activities. This occurs at a time when we need more understanding and appreciation of the natural world in order to live sustainably. It is now widely acknowledged that outdoor education contributes significantly to children’s physical and mental health as well as enabling them to develop as successful learners, confident individuals, responsible citizens and effective contributors to society whilst also enhancing environmental awareness (Scottish Executive, 2004). This research project is at the interface of children’s play, learning, nature and sustainability. It is one of a portfolio of design research projects (MPhil and PhD) being conducted by The Centre for the Study of Natural Design at the University of Dundee and Scottish Outdoor Education Centres (SOEC). This paper describes ‘a day in a life’ of children at one site operated by SOEC with a view to understanding the relationships and patterns of child’s play. Based on early findings, the authors reflect on what needs to be done next before moving towards designing and developing a range of outdoor learning activities. The paper concludes with a discussion on the choice of research methods which might prove useful in exploring these active situations in a more holistic manner

AB - There is little doubt that the objects and daily patterns of children’s play are changing, often to the detriment of outdoor activities. This occurs at a time when we need more understanding and appreciation of the natural world in order to live sustainably. It is now widely acknowledged that outdoor education contributes significantly to children’s physical and mental health as well as enabling them to develop as successful learners, confident individuals, responsible citizens and effective contributors to society whilst also enhancing environmental awareness (Scottish Executive, 2004). This research project is at the interface of children’s play, learning, nature and sustainability. It is one of a portfolio of design research projects (MPhil and PhD) being conducted by The Centre for the Study of Natural Design at the University of Dundee and Scottish Outdoor Education Centres (SOEC). This paper describes ‘a day in a life’ of children at one site operated by SOEC with a view to understanding the relationships and patterns of child’s play. Based on early findings, the authors reflect on what needs to be done next before moving towards designing and developing a range of outdoor learning activities. The paper concludes with a discussion on the choice of research methods which might prove useful in exploring these active situations in a more holistic manner

KW - design

KW - children

KW - outdoor activities

KW - sustainability

KW - early learning

M3 - Chapter

SN - 9781901085976

SP - 492

EP - 496

BT - Proceedings of the Eighth European Academy of Design International Conference

PB - Robert Gordon University

Y2 - 1 April 2009 through 3 April 2009

ER -