Through the Eyes of Fourth Graders is a book written and illustrated by students about their experiences in the natural environments of the area.
This presentation shares that journey, the experiences, lessons and most importantly, the thoughts expressed by young people through words and images.
The objectives of environmental education programs are to develop participant awareness, sensitivity and the understanding of their affective relationship to the natural environment, usually through conceptual knowledge and personal experience.
Recent, evidence-based studies suggest that experiences that forge emotional connections and encourage curiosity are most likely to succeed and have long-lasting influence that inspires environmentally responsible behavior and achieves environmental literacy.
Environmental literacy gained through experiential participation is also thought to aid in the development of values, problem solving skills, healthy cognition and emotional intelligence.
At home activity sheets and Junior Ranger books can be found at go.nps.gov/ApostleKids
Steve Ballou, Apostle Islands NL
Presenter biography
Steve Ballou, is an Interpretive Ranger at Apostle Islands National Lakeshore where he has the privilege of connecting people to the wonders of the Islands and the Great Lakes Environment through educational and experiential outreach.
As part of connecting the park and rangers to people Steve launched a kayak ranger program last summer that facilitated placed-based interaction with visitors along the mainland sea caves and not so unintentionally made his job that much more awesome.
A geologist by training, Steve previously worked in an academic setting and has served as a seasonal ranger in Yellowstone National Park for over a decade before coming to the Apostle Islands. He enjoys several silent sports and spends much of his time paddling among and enjoying the islands, and is excited and honored to share “Through the eyes of fourth graders” as part of the symposium.
To sample more sessions choose below
50 Years of Archeology at the Apostle Islands
A Retrospective – Research and Resource Management at Apostle Islands NL
A singing wilderness: Songbirds of the Apostle Islands
A Vulnerability Assessment for Terrestrial Ecosystems
American Martens on the Apostle Islands
Amphibians of the Apostle Islands
Apostle Islands Flora
Emerging Water Resource Issues in the Apostle Islands
Fifty Years of Cultural Resource Research at Apostle Islands NL
Gaylord Nelson: mover, shaker, deal-maker
Longitudinal Trends and Ecology of the Small Mammal Community
New Insights Into the Dynamics of Apostle Islands Carnivore Communities
Past, Present and Future of Fire in the Apostle Islands
Past, present and future of fisheries management in the Apostle Islands
Past, present, and future of piping plovers in the Apostle Islands
Resiliency and vulnerability of Apostle Islands coastal wetlands
Through the eyes of 4th graders
Traditional Ecological Knowledge
Under the surface and Zaaga’igan Ma’iinganag (lakewolves)
