Young people's cognitive achievement as fostered by hands on centred environmental education
In line with previous studies, where outdoor nature experience was shown to support adolescents' environmental knowledge, our study monitored the influence of a hands on environmental programme within a National Park on cognitive knowledge achievement. A sample of 4th and 5th graders (n 289) completed a week long outreach conservation programme with two follow up options: the first group (n 170) interacted with thematic posters, the second group (n 128) also completed a thematic board game. In a quasi experimental design, we analysed both versions with regard to achievement efforts and individual situational emotions. Altogether, programme participation added cognitive knowledge, while group one (poster and board game as follow up option) outmatched group two (just the poster option) Measures of 'state' and 'situational' emotions regarding the programme and right after game participation revealed positive effects toward knowledge. Thus, we conclude, direct experiences with nature and additional hands on follow up activities may foster a student's cognitive achievement in such programmes.