Extension
It Starts With Us
Environmental and Natural Resources Education
Environmental and Natural Resources Education
Courtney Jenkins, ANR and 4-H Youth Development
Agriculture
Natural Resources
Today's youth spend less time outdoors than previous generations (Clemeonts, 2004; Karsten 2005; Carver et al., 2008) and are likely able to identify a Poke`mon character more easily than a native plant of animal (Balmford et al., 2002). Every five years (since 1999) the Kentucky Environmental Education Council (KEEC) conducts a survey to assess Kentuckian's environmental knowledge, attitudes and behaviours. According to DKEEC's 2015-2020 Environmental Education Master Plan (2015), "...the average Kentuckian is able to answer correctly slightly more than half of the environmental knowledge questions included on the survey. This result leaves ample room for improvement" (p.27). The KEEV (2018), defines systems and the actions necessary to maintain, restore, or improve them" (p.4) and states that environmental education is a pathway to environmental literacy (KEEC, 2018). Kentucky Statute (KRS 157.905)defines the environmental education as "...an education process dealing with the interrelationships among the natural world and its man-made surroundings; is experience-based; interdisciplinary in its approach; and is a continuous life-long process that provides the citizenry with the basic knowledge and skills necessary to individually and collectively encourage positive actions for achieving and maintaining a sustainable balance betwweeen man and the environment" (Kentucky Legistlative Research Committee, 202, p.1) Kentucky 4-H provides environmental education opportunities by engaging youth in hands-on, interdisciplinary educational experiences that foster an increased understanding and appreciation for natural resources and environmental sciences. Programs and projects are offered in the areas of environmental science, entomology, forestry and wood science, geology, soils, water, wildlife, and shooting sports.
*Youth will be environmentally literate
*Youth will make informed decisions and take responsible action regarding natural resources conservation, protection, and restoration
*Youth will be advocates for environmental sustainability and stewardship
* Youth will explain the importance and role of natural resources in daily life
* Youth will adopt practices to conserve and protect natural resources
* Youth will utilize and practice life-skills in 4-H natural resources and environmental projects and clubs, and life situations.
* Youth will gain knowledge and skills in environmental sciences and natural resources content
* Youth will gain an understanding of environmental sustainability and stewardship
* Youth will develop valuable life skills, including decision-making, critical thinking, communications, record-keeping, wise use of resources and leadership
Initial Outcome: Youth plan and implement a natural resource project (entomology project, forestry project, etc.)
Indicator: Youth complete a natural resource project
Method: 4-H Common Measures Experience Survey, Program Indicators
Timeline: Year Round (2020-2024)
Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: 4-H Entomology
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Bee Ambassador Leader's Guide; 4-H Teaming with Insects Levels 1, 2, 3 and Facilitator's Guide; 4-H Entomology State Fair Resources; 4-H Project Butterfly WINGS Youth Guide and facilitator's guide
Inputs: Extension Staff, Publications, Resources, Specialists
Date: Year Round (2020-2024)
Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: 4-H Forestry and Wood Science
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Forestry and Project Introducing Yourself to Trees; Kentucky's Useful Forests; Kentucky 4-H Forestry Project Planting Trees; Project Learning Tree Environmental Education Guide
Inputs: Extension Staff, Publications, Resources, Specialists
Date: Year Round (2020-2024)
Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: 4-H Shooting Sports
Content or Curriculum: Shooting Sports Curricula
Inputs: Extension Staff, Volunteer Coaches, Specialists
Date: Year Round (2020-2024)
