The environment plays an enormous role in our daily lives; But despite the importance of preserving our planet, we often deprioritize taking steps towards that very goal. Therefore, it’s crucial to pass our knowledge, and appreciation, of the environment down to younger generations. As it turns out, one of the simplest ways to do both is to offer outdoor learning for young students.
Environmentalist Marc Rogoff believes offering outdoor classrooms in all schools will help students understand the importance of the environment. He spoke in greater detail about the subject during an episode of Caucus: New Jersey with Steve Adubato.
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Rogoff has been an Environmental Education Specialist for the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) for many years. This state government agency is responsible for managing New Jersey’s natural resources and addressing issues related to pollution. One of the most effective endeavors the NJDEP has sought out is educating our youth. This passing of knowledge enables future generations to continue working toward preserving the nation’s ecosystem.
“Outdoor learning,” however, is one of the most effective ways in which the NJDEP encourages active environmental education.
“Outdoor classrooms, or outdoor learning, basically, is just the way it sounds,” says Rogoff. “It’s taking the students and the activities that they may do in a classroom and taking it to an outdoor environment.”
As a regulatory agency, the NJDEP deals with a number of different environmental issues, including pollution and prevention. In addition, the department has a small group of individuals who specialize in education. These individuals can work with teachers to facilitate methods for utilizing nature and offering a more thorough education.
Want to learn more about getting outdoor classrooms into your school system’s curriculum? Check out this edition of Caucus: New Jersey with Steve Adubato.
After that, click over to our Hot Topics in NJ series for more stories that impact New Jersey residents.
