ERIC Number: EJ1465003
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2025
Pages: 11
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1350-4622
EISSN: EISSN-1469-5871
Available Date: 0000-00-00
Interdisciplinary Nature Journaling Improves Mood and Helps Build Connection in Middle School Students
Rachel N. Arbor1; Kevin Matteson2
Environmental Education Research, v31 n4 p748-758 2025
Amidst increasing concerns about children's mental health, this paper explores the integration of interdisciplinary nature journaling within a middle school English Language Arts classroom as a method to enhance student well-being and environmental literacy. 61 5th-7th students in Garrison, NY engaged in a 75-minute nature journaling activity. We analyzed the activity's impact on student mood, stress levels, and connections to self, others, and nature. Results indicated a positive shift in moods, reduced stress, and enhanced feelings of self-valuation and connection to the natural world. The activity fits into New York State English Language Arts, Science, Social Studies, Math, and Art standards, emphasizing the feasibility and adaptability of environmental education activities across disciplines. The findings highlight the potential of such activities to benefit student well-being and help students foster a deeper understanding of environmental awareness, offering insights for educators seeking innovative and accessible ways to integrate environmental education into mainstream curricula.
Descriptors: Middle School Students, Mental Health, Student Journals, Naturalistic Observation, Environmental Education, Outdoor Education, Stress Management, Student Attitudes, Positive Attitudes, Interdisciplinary Approach, Curriculum Development, Teaching Methods
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Junior High Schools; Middle Schools; Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: New York
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: 1CEO and Founder of Gaia Scholastic; Director of Environmental Education at the Garrison Union Free School District, Garrison, New York, USA; 2Project Dragonfly/Department of Biology, Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, USA