How do we demonstrate evidence-based outcomes of EE without letting go of the passion that breathes energy into the field? eeWORKS is a project that seeks to answer this critical question. Guided by an expert advisory board, NAAEE is partnering with Stanford University, University of California Davis, and University of Florida to demonstrate the impact and value of EE. To narrow our focus, we are conducting comprehensive research reviews and producing communications tools for several priority outcome areas. These key outcome areas were identified based on published literature and the interests of key stakeholders, such as educators, environmental organizations, policymakers, and funders. In short, we are substantiating powerful anecdotes from across the field with empirical evidence.
What is the capacity for environmental education to contribute to a more sustainable planet and society? Let eeWORKS help you answer that question.
Outcome area: K–12 Students. How can and does EE contribute to outcomes for K–12 students, in terms of increased knowledge, critical thinking skills, civic engagement, and other outcomes of interest in EE?
Research effort & result: Analysis of 119 peer-reviewed studies published over a 20-year period
Research/Communications team: Stanford University (research); NAAEE (communications)
Outcome area: Climate Change. What educational strategies help create effective education to address climate change? What is the role of outreach in helping communities (with a focus on adults) adapt to climate change?
Research effort & result: Analysis of 49 studies focused on assessments of climate change education interventions
Research/Communications team: University of Florida (research); NAAEE (communications)
Outcome area: Connecting People to Nature. What is the role of EE in early childhood development and connectedness to nature? How does nature connection influence health, stewardship, creativity, and other areas of human and societal development?
Research/Communications team: Stanford University (research); NAAEE (communications)
Outcome area: Conservation and Environmental Quality. How does EE support conservation outcomes, and how does EE influence the quality of the environment?
Research/Communications team: Stanford University (research); NAAEE (communications)
eeWORKS Advisory Council
Janet Ady (Bureau of Land Management), Dr. Nicole Ardoin (Stanford University), Dr. Heidi Ballard (University of California-Davis), Sarah Bodor (NAAEE), Alison Bowers (Virginia Tech University and Stanford University), Judy Braus (NAAEE), Drew Burnett (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service), Dr. Charlotte Clarke (Duke University), Emilian Geczi (Natural Start Alliance), Dr. Joe Heimlich (Ohio State University and COSI), Dr. Cathy Jordan (Children & Nature Network), Alex Kudryavstev (EECapacity), Kristen Kunkle (NAAEE), Pepe Marcos-Iga (Emeritus), Heidi McAllister (U.S. Forest Service), Christy Merrick (Natural Start Alliance), Dr. Ryan Meyer (University of California-Davis), Sarah Milligan-Toffler (Children & Nature Network), Dr. Martha Monroe (University of Florida), Ginger Potter (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency), Dr. Alan Reid (Monash University), Dr. Bora Simmons (University of Oregon), Andrea Stein (Roger Williams Park Zoo), Dr. Marc Stern (Virginia Tech University), Noelle Wyman-Roth (Duke University)
eeWORKS is a program of NAAEE, Stanford, and other partners.
A special thank you to all of the supporters of eeWORKS
