“Restoring Environmental Balance to the Techno-mersion Paradigm” Tom Occhipinti Environmental Education Coordinator Michigan Department of Environmental Quality

By the time the average American child has reached the age of five, he or she has spent more time watching television than the average college student spends attaining a degree. Dr. Herb Broda, Education Professor at Ashland University

The very generation that will face the most difficult environmental issues will have the least exposure, understanding, and appreciation for the environment.

Health Risks Increased time spent indoors Sleep disorders, decreased attention span Obesity, early onset diabetes Vitamin D deficiency Kevin Coyle, National Wildlife Federation

An hour per day of outdoor and physical play and activity is recommended. Centers for Disease Control, American Academy of Pediatrics, and National Wildlife Federation

A Sense of Place Using the local community as the classroom

“Expanding classrooms. Strengthening communities.”

Great Lakes Stewardship Initiative Discovering PLACE GRAND Learning Network Grand Traverse Stewardship Initiative Groundswell Lake Superior Stewardship Initiative Northeast Michigan Great Lakes Stewardship Initiative Southeast Michigan Stewardship Coalition West Michigan Great Lakes Stewardship Initiative

Michigan No Child Left Inside Environmental Literacy –MORE Blueprint Marketing and Outreach Outdoor Learning Capacity Building Communication Steering

An association of professional environmental and outdoor educators promoting environmental literacy through education.

Michigan Association of Conservation Districts (MACD)

Provides a large network of support for communities and businesses Involved with natural resources at the local level 4-H Youth Conservation Council

Network of 33 math and science centers to provide resources to educators in the fields of math and science

Environmental Action Councils

The Stewardship Network: Connecting in Michigan to protect our natural areas

Grassroots Organization 8 Regional Clusters 4,000 Michigan Partners

Environmental education curriculum units targeted toward Michigan middle schools

MEECS To provide students with the skills and understanding needed to make informed decisions based on: Science concepts Economics and ecological sustainability The role of government Stewardship and pollution prevention The impact and consequences of individual decisions Data-based decision-making

A Need for Environmental Education For the first time in history, we are faced with the real possibility that life-spans for the youngest generation may struggle to reach current life spans projected for middle-aged adults.