Dimensions Foundation Research and field-testing provide the foundation for all Nature Explore programs, services, products, and resources. Ongoing research and meaningful collaborations continue to guide the development and awareness of holistic, integrated natural outdoor classrooms where young children thrive.
Research. History. Field-testing.
Learn what’s behind Nature Explore’s approach, why it’s effective, and the facts you need to advocate for your outdoor classroom, explain it to families, or bolster your next grant application or fundraising efforts.
Dimensions Research
Research affirms…
REGULAR TIME IN NATURE:
- Facilitates social, emotional, and physical development
- Improves health and well-being
- Supports creativity and imaginative play
- Inspires collaboration and reduces violence and bullying
- Reduces stress
- Creates feelings of empathy for nature
NATURE EXPLORE CLASSROOMS SUPPORT WHOLE-CHILD DEVELOPMENT:
- Critical thinking and problem solving
- Curiosity, inquiry, and early science exploration
- Self-expression, language, and literacy
- Observing and organizing information for early math learning
- Visual-spatial processing skills and fine motor skills
- Construction and engineering skill development
- Body competence and physical and mental well-being
“Outdoor time is not a break from learning: the natural outdoor classroom supports learning in all domains, especially creativity and social-emotional development. Overall, the findings in this report support existing theories linking nature-based outdoor education to positive learning and developmental outcomes.”
— Samuel Dennis Jr., Christine Kiewra, and Alexandra Wells
