University of North Dakota’s Children’s Learning Center, located at 525 Stanford Road, has earned national certification for its second Nature Explore Classroom, serving toddlers, from Dimensions Educational Research Foundation and the Arbor Day Foundation Nebraska City, Neb.
There are only three certified classrooms in the state of North Dakota.
Nature Explore Classrooms are part of the Nature Explore program, a collaborative project of the Arbor Day Foundation and Dimensions Educational Research Foundation developed in response to the growing disconnect between children and nature. Certified Nature Explore Classrooms help fill the void by integrating research-based outdoor learning opportunities into children’s daily lives.
The classrooms, which are being developed across the country, offer interactive elements such as musical instruments made of natural materials, garden or pathway areas and natural materials for building and creating art. Children who learn and grow in Certified Nature Explore Classrooms enhance concentration, develop creativity and problem-solving, relieve stress and improve skills in many areas of development.
“University Children’s Learning Center has shown tremendous leadership in growing the next generation of environmental stewards,” said Susie Wirth, Nature Explore Outreach director. “Their commitment to providing research-based and nature-rich learning offers a wonderful example to educators throughout the country.”
University Children’s Learning Center is a part of a growing network of organizations and institutions that have created effective nature-based outdoor learning environments for children. This network allows for idea-sharing, peer support and continuous development between students.
The first Nature Explore Classroom is located in the Tree Adventure attraction at Arbor Day Farm, the Arbor Day Foundation’s interactive conservation venue in Nebraska City, Nebraska. More information on the program can be found at www.natureexplore.org
About Arbor Day Foundation
Arbor Day Foundation is a million member nonprofit conservation and education organization with the mission to inspire people to plant, nurture and celebrate trees. More information on the Foundation is available at arborday.org.
About Dimensions Educational Research Foundation
The mission of the non-profit Dimensions Educational Research Foundation is to inspire children, families and educators to connect more deeply with the world around them by providing innovative, research-based programs and resources.
Contact:
Lana Gilson
Outreach Coordinator
Nature Explore | Dimensions Educational Research Foundation
P: 402.873.8709
www.natureexplore.org
David L. Dodds
Media Relations Coordinator/Writer/Editor
Division of University & Public Affairs
O 701.777.5529 | D 701.777.2731
david.dodds@UND.edu | UND.upa@UND.edu