Biophilia
Love and Fears

Objectives

Green (Earth Literacy Goals)

1. The student will renew or rekindle early connections with nature and the natural world.
2. The student will establish our psychological connections to the natural world.
3. The student will identify the kinds and power of memories that we have of the natural world.

 

ESL

1. Students will use experience as a main rhetorical device.
2. Students will practice the skills of writing about the past using correct past tense forms.
3. Students will practice the listening and speaking skills of oral discussion.
4. Students will practice etiquette.

Materials

A handout with the 11 questions listed in the Activity below, a notebook or paper, and writing tool. It may be done inside or outside of the classroom.

Time

1- 1.5 hours

Steps/procedures

Activity 1

Oral Activity

Some large group discussion might ensue as to what constitutes nature and the natural world. A broad interpretation is best. From pets, the backyard, to excursions into mountains and jungles, to farm experiences should all be considered. And this preliminary talk is part of the exploration of the ideas.

Be prepared for some experience of biophobia; that is, memories of fearful events. This may come up also in other lessons such as the field experiences. Be reassuring and accepting of the fears; the aim is to move beyond them through new positive experiences.

• Have students think about their experiences and jot-down their thoughts for 10-15 minutes .  You may give them the list of 11 questions below at this time.
• Pair students giving them 2-3 minutes each to tell each other about their memories..
• In a large group, discuss one or more of the following questions for basic connections:

1. Who had positive memories of nature?
2. Who had experiences that were solitary?
3. Who had positive feelings from remembering?
4. Who enjoyed sharing the experience with another in the class?
5. Who continues to do the same or similar experiences?
6. Who feels that they are  missing doing these experiences?
7. Who would like to make sure that their friends, children, others have a similar experience?
8. How is experience of the natural world different from other experiences we have?
9. What makes these experiences different?
10. Who is aware of a spiritual connection to the natural world?
11. Who has had the sense that we are part of the natural world?

These stimulating questions can be used both for writing and discussion and could be given to the students at the start of the activities.

Activity 2

Writing Activity

Students can use the notes that they made during the reflection period to write a short piece that retells the memory as a narrative. It can be collected, used as the basis of the above oral activity, or as part of a writing journal.

Resources: