This article provides a response to the article "Leisure Studies is for Experience, Not Industry," by Harmon (2018). In responding to Harmon's critique, I address two important issues; both could be expanded into full-length articles but are treated only briefly in this response. First, it is critical to clearly understand and…

This study examines the effectiveness of images on warning signs that communicate risk and risk avoidance in public spaces. Specifically, I compared data from 749 survey responses to determine whether the use of images can increase the effectiveness of a warning sign in a public space. Although the findings indicate that image-based warning signs…

Citizen science is an emerging approach to conducting research in the National Parks System. As National Parks work to cultivate stewards for the parks' second century, this strategy may support scientific efforts while educating, engaging, and connecting participants with parks. Citizen science enlists the public in elements of the research…

Engaging employees in direct learning activities to ensure organizational growth and success and to meet strategic goals continues to be a challenge for agencies across the federal government. At a time when decreased funding for training is a reality, and employee satisfaction rates continue to decline, federal agency leaders seek to understand…

We live in environmentally turbulent times where issues such as freshwater scarcity, soil and air pollution, natural disasters and depletion, biodiversity loss, and infectious diseases pose a serious danger for future generations. Climate change is one of the most significant modern threats, the solution to which requires the engagement of…

Lately, theme parks have emphasized the learning and edutainment aspects of their business. This has created new opportunities for theme parks and schools to cooperate. Research has shown that learning at science centers, a similar form of learning arena, tends to be out of context and that the learning outcomes are meager. High Chaparral, in…

The United States' collective memory focuses on the nation's story as one of progress and freedom, yet the experiences of many citizens, particularly citizens of color, are in contradiction to this collective memory. Today, there is a small yet growing collection of counter-monument installations around the country that tell a counter-story to…

Early literacy is a key predictor of grade-level reading and school success. Too often, however, young children do not have equitable access to literacy-rich environments that foster the skills needed to attain reading proficiency by the end of third grade. While high-quality preschool and early elementary programs are necessary early literacy…

Environmental education in national parks is equivalent to an open and permanent education process in which individuals and communities become aware of their natural environment and gain a critical and sensitive attitude towards it and the use of its resources. The aim of this study was to examine the attitudes of teachers towards national parks…

Increasing visitor use in U.S. national parks leads to myriad challenges, one of which is the large amount of waste generated. In this research, visitors to three parks were surveyed to identify potential leverage points for communicating with visitors that may help increase desirable behaviors in visitors as part of the Zero Landfill Initiative…

This investigation hypothesizes that the effects derived from the reintegration of adult wilderness education will connect adults in unique ways to nature landscapes. The study is based on two cases: a five-year wilderness program that the author designed in a remote part of Canada, and a Yellowstone wilderness program that occurs yearly. The…

This edited volume features a collection of essays on the COVID-19 pandemic and associated crises and its implications for science education research and practice from a socio-political perspective. Taking the pandemic as a starting point -- and understanding the pandemic as an event that exposes science-society relationships in their complexities…

In this study, it was aimed to determine prospective social studies and elementary education teachers' attitudes towards national parks and views on ecology-based environmental education. In this study, which was conducted following the stated purpose, an educational practice was carried out in Termessos National Park (Antalya) for two days in…

Purpose: The System for Observing Play and Recreation in Communities (SOPARC) is a valid, reliable method for understanding how people engage in physical activity (PA) in various permanent settings (e.g., parks) and contexts. However, its utility, reliability, and validity in temporary spaces has not been examined. Temporary spaces can provide PA…

College students report using negative or non-effective behaviors to cope with personal, social, and academic stress that differ from mental health professional recommendations to meditate, exercise, and journal. Although the benefits of active and passive interactions with nature to reduce stress have been extensively documented, green spaces are…