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Tuesday, November 5, 2024

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A PA judge allows Elon Musk's $1 million voter giveaway; All eyes on AZ this Election Day, but experts warn of harmful misinformation; To call or not to call? The election night question; Election Day raises new fears over Comstock Act, reproductive rights.

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Philadelphia's District Attorney says the city is prepared for any election violence, doctors advise about how to handle Election Stress Disorder, and Oregon has a high number of women in government.

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A Cambodian poultry farmer who lost his livelihood could be a hero for others, rural Montanans are anxiously awaiting a court ruling over a climate lawsuit brought by young people, and Northeast states say more housing for working families could boost jobs.

Outdoor Education Key to Improving Health of Students, Planet

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Monday, June 19, 2023   

Congressional lawmakers are considering a bill to help improve the environmental literacy of America's students.

Dubbed the "No Child Left Inside Act," the bill would authorize about $100 million for grants to help more teachers get their students learning outdoors.

Amara Ifeji, director of policy for the Maine Environmental Education Association, said increasing students' access to the natural world will help build the movement needed to tackle the most pressing environmental problems.

"I think that's really the first step to environmental justice, is connection and building a relationship," Ifeji contended.

Ifeji observed students from underprivileged communities too often lack access to the great outdoors, leading to poor physical and mental health outcomes. Research shows students are often better able to focus when learning in nature, and teachers report better student behavior and social interactions.

States with updated environmental literacy plans would be eligible for the funding through the No Child Left Inside Act, including Maine, which increased its outdoor learning experiences during the pandemic.

Ifeji pointed out more than 100 lawmakers in Maine are currently co-sponsoring a bill to help school districts partner with residential outdoor learning facilities.

"We have a ton in the state of Maine," Ifeji explained. "And be able to host three-day, two-night residential outdoor learning experiences for students to be able to learn about Maine's natural resources."

Ifeji added both pieces of legislation will help students cultivate habits to help the environment, including cutting down on single-use plastic or food waste, but will also help them turn any feelings of "eco-anxiety" or "climate grief" into "climate hope."


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