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“Restoring Environmental Balance to the Techno-mersion Paradigm” Tom Occhipinti Environmental Education Coordinator Michigan Department of Environmental Quality.
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“Restoring Environmental Balance to the Techno-mersion Paradigm”Tom OcchipintiEnvironmental Education CoordinatorMichigan Department of Environmental Quality
By the time the average American child has reached the age of five, he or she has spent more time watching television than the average college student spends attaining a degree. Dr. Herb Broda, Education Professor at Ashland University
The very generation that will face the most difficult environmental issues will have the least exposure, understanding, and appreciation for the environment.
Health Risks Kevin Coyle, National Wildlife Federation
An hour per day of outdoor and physical play and activity is recommended. Centers for Disease Control, American Academy of Pediatrics, and National Wildlife Federation
A Sense of Place Using the local community as the classroom
Great Lakes Stewardship Initiative • Discovering PLACE • GRAND Learning Network • Grand Traverse Stewardship Initiative • Groundswell • Lake Superior Stewardship Initiative • Northeast Michigan Great Lakes Stewardship Initiative • Southeast Michigan Stewardship Coalition • West Michigan Great Lakes Stewardship Initiative
Environmental Literacy MORE Blueprint Marketing and Outreach Outdoor Learning Capacity Building Communication Steering Michigan No Child Left Inside
An association of professional environmental and outdoor educators promoting environmental literacy through education.
Provides a large network of support for communities and businesses • Involved with natural resources at the local level • 4-H Youth Conservation Council
Network of 33 math and science centers to provide resources to educators in the fields of math and science
The Stewardship Network: Connecting in Michigan to protect our natural areas
Grassroots Organization • 8 Regional Clusters • 4,000 Michigan Partners
Environmental education curriculum units targeted toward Michigan middle schools
MEECS To provide students with the skills and understanding needed to make informed decisions based on: • Science concepts • Economics and ecological sustainability • The role of government • Stewardship and pollution prevention • The impact and consequences of individual decisions • Data-based decision-making
A Need for Environmental Education For the first time in history, we are faced with the real possibility that life-spans for the youngest generation may struggle to reach current life spans projected for middle-aged adults.