Research

Researchers have demonstrated that certain sense of place contributes to pro-environmental behavior, including community-based environmental stewardship. However, sense of place has rarely been viewed as a desired outcome of environmental education. This research project will explore the role of sense of place in civic ecology education programs in the Bronx, which teach youth about the environment through environmental restoration activities. This research project will apply the framework for sense of place to environmental education, especially civic ecology education in the urban context, and investigate how civic ecology education programs in the Bronx influence sense of place in youth.

The practice goal is to help civic ecology educators to create better learning spaces to teach desired sense of place. This project will also produce a body of relevant materials, including youth narratives, which participants can use as tools for meaning making, and sources of learning and insight about civic ecology education programs and sense of place.

Research Questions

1. What knowledge about sense of place can be applied to environmental education?
2. What is the impact of civic ecology education on sense of place in youth?
3. What is the role of sense of place in civic ecology education programs?
4. How do youth understand the meaning and significance of their experiences in civic ecology education programs, especially in relation to their sense of place?