Introducing children to nature : Interpretative displays for children in national parks : A dissertation presented as part requirement for the Diploma of Parks and Recreation (Park Ranger Option), Lincoln College

Abstract

This dissertation is a development of two of my interests. (i) The reasons for the values society places on the natural environment and; (ii) methods for introducing children to nature, and more specifically, displays for children.

Outdoor Education, Environmental Education, and Interpretation for children has been well covered in literature in New Zealand and Overseas. I feel therefore, there is no need to discuss this yet again. However, I believe that a more in-depth study of children's needs in displays is of worth, as this is a little researched and much neglected part of our interpretive work in National Parks and Reserves.

Within the past decade we have fotmd our natural environment seriously threatened and our own survival questioned. Today, we have the power through technology to greatly change the physical environment. Everywhere we see technology in conflict with man's need for clean air and water, quiet open spaces, and aesthetically pleasing surroundings in which to live, work and recreate.

Gradually we are becoming aware of these needs and the efforts to achieve them. Future generations must not only be aware of these efforts but active in support of them. Support can be achieved through education.

Interpretation has been defined by Freeman Tilden as "an educational activity which aims to reveal meanings and relationships through the use of original objects, by first hand experience and by illustrative media rather than simply to communicate factual information".

Lynda Burns (1982) described interpretation a little more simply and included our relationship with nature more accurately. Interpretation is: "encouraging understanding and awareness of the natural, cultural and historic features of parks, and of how the visitor relates this to his/her total environmental perception".

The aim of this dissertation is to first ascertain a need for interpretation by pointing out theoretical explanations of how cultures and societies modify the natural environment to its detriment through attitudes, values and ethics, and then to provide a practical approach to the problem by interpretation through displays for children.