CCOG for ECE 167 archive revision 202701
You are viewing an old version of the CCOG. View current version »
- Effective Term:
- Winter 2027
- Course Number:
- ECE 167
- Course Title:
- Nature Based Curriculum and Environments
- Credit Hours:
- 3
- Lecture Hours:
- 30
- Lecture/Lab Hours:
- 0
- Lab Hours:
- 0
Course Description
Covers the principles of nature-based pedagogy, emphasizing outdoor learning as a cornerstone of early childhood education for children from birth through age five. Explores how natural environments can spark curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong connection to the world, while addressing developmental needs across cognitive, physical, social-emotional, and health domains. Presents evidence-based practices which integrates theoretical insights with practical strategies for creating inclusive, risk-aware outdoor spaces in diverse settings, while highlighting the transformative power of nature to support holistic growth. Audit available.
Intended Outcomes for the course
Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to:
1. Apply principles of nature-based early childhood pedagogy to create developmentally appropriate learning environments to foster curiosity, creativity, and connection to our natural world.
2. Analyze the role of outdoor environments in supporting children's cognitive, physical, and social-emotional development for infants, toddlers, and preschool-age children.
3. Explain the benefits of outdoor learning for children's mental and physical health.
4. Implement strategies for integrating nature-based learning into the curriculum, including risk assessment and inclusive practices.