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One of my favorite Nature writers is  Scott Sampson. At his web site ( http://www.scottsampson.net/   ) . I became acquainted with Scott through his personal blog site and his post called the “The Whirlpool of Life” [  http://www.scottsampson.net/index.php?page=education  ] Scott  describes himself as “a dinosaur paleontologist, science communicator, and passionate advocate for connecting people with nature. He serves as vice president of research and collections and chief curator at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, and as host and science advisor for the PBS KIDS television series Dinosaur Train. Sampson is also Program Ambassador of Nature Rocks ( naturerocks.org ), a global initiative of The Nature Conservancy aimed at inspiring families to explore nature.” Some of Scott’s essays are provided here:

Wilding the Mind

http://scottsampson.blogspot.mx/2012/05/wilding-mind.html

The Psychology of Sustainability

http://scottsampson.blogspot.mx/2010/10/psychology-of-sustainability.html

The Power of Story

http://scottsampson.blogspot.mx/2012/04/power-of-story.html

Nature : The Insider’s View

http://scottsampson.blogspot.mx/2010/01/nature-insiders-view.html

A Country of Naturalists

http://scottsampson.blogspot.mx/2012_06_01_archive.html

Loving Life

http://scottsampson.blogspot.mx/2011_02_01_archive.html

Discovering Your Journey

http://scottsampson.blogspot.mx/2011/04/discovering-your-journey.html

The Subjectification of Nature

http://scottsampson.blogspot.mx/2010/07/subjectification-of-nature.html

In Defense of Wildness

http://www.scottsampson.blogspot.mx/2012/08/in-defense-of-wildness.html

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Exploring Our Connections to Nature.  In this environmental education lesson module, students will explore how their lives are linked to everything in their communities and ecosystems at varying scales. Through personal and group exploration, students will begin to understand our role in our ecosystem and how the decisions we make directly affect all living things.

http://centerforthelivingcity.org/exploring-our-connections-to-nature-youthcity-speak/

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How systems thinking applies to education

http://www.ascd.org/publications/educational-leadership/nov92/vol50/num03/How-Systems-Thinking-Applies-to-Education.aspx

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This amazing set of short videos takes science students on a ‘never-before-filmed’ journey exploring animal bodies, behaviors and evolutionary development.

Shape of Life is a series of free short classroom videos that beautifully illustrate the evolution of the animal kingdom on planet earth. Based upon an original PBS Series, Shape of Life, is especially designed for students and teachers who want a first-hand account of how animals adapt and thrive. The series focuses on diversity, biodiversity, adaptability, body structure, design, behaviors, and the innovative scientists who explore these creatures.

http://shapeoflife.org

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A significant number of my readers are educators. Their contribution is vital to the strength of a nation and to the conservation of Nature because the strength of a nation and a society and the preservation of Nature starts with great education opportunities for all. Here are three great videos that focus on education.

“Making sure all our students get a great education, find a career that’s fulfilling and rewarding, and have a chance to live out their dreams … wouldn’t just make us a more successful country — it would also make us a more fair and just one.” — Bill Gates

Here is a TED talk by Bill Gates on education and teachers. [ http://www.ted.com/talks/bill_gates_teachers_need_real_feedback?utm_source=newsletter_weekly_2014-12-13&utm_campaign=newsletter_weekly&utm_medium=email&utm_content=quote ]

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Outdoor nurseries – the merits of child-centered learning outdoors. A great idea in environmental education

http://www.theguardian.com/education/2014/dec/09/the-school-in-the-woods-outdoor-education-modern-britain

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Children need nature; nature needs children

http://www.timescolonist.com/opinion/columnists/trevor-hancock-children-need-nature-nature-needs-children-1.1868007

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The park ranger or the naturalist may be becoming an endangered species. Very sad because place-based environmental education is a powerful way to bring people back to Nature.

http://www.nationalparkstraveler.com/2014/05/national-park-service-key-player-nurturing-tomorrows-park-interpreters-naturalists25066

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Let Kids Run Wild in the Woods

What if everybody picked a flower? Maybe they’d care more about nature.

http://www.slate.com/articles/health_and_science/science/2014/05/kid_play_zones_in_parks_leave_no_trace_inhibits_fun_and_bonding_with_nature.html

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Environmental education projects in the great outdoors are among the best ways to teach skills that cut across curriculum

http://www.districtadministration.com/article/environmental-education-digs-deep

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Mother Nature is one of the best parents a child can have. A wonderful collection of comments by various parents on how Nature can become an important part of a child’s life.

http://registerguard.com/rg/life/healthyfamilies/33440687-306/its-natures-way.html.csp

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