“She’s Gonna Feel Great”: The Intersection of Sustainability Education and Arts Learning in Out-of-School Contexts

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Friday 1:45 pm
  In Roundtable Session: Incorporating the Arts into Environmental Education

Abstract

This paper highlights a qualitative study examining a summer camp designed to improve youth’s understanding of sustainability through artistic practice. Using qualitative approaches to research, including thematic analysis, we suggest that arts learning allows youth to translate abstract concepts related to sustainability education into personally relevant possibilities using creativity and imagination. Our research meaningfully contributes to discourse on sustainability education by positing artistic practice, especially in out-of-school learning contexts, is a significant component that supports youth to develop a robust and empathetic understanding of climate-related issues. Our scholarship impacts a variety of educational stakeholders, including K-12 educators, school administrators, and teacher trainers committed to climate justice and a strong ecological future.

Authors

• Betsy Maloney Leaf, University of Minnesota

• Eric Castle, University of Minnesota - Crookston

• Katy Chapman, University of Minnesota - Crookston