In a fragmented, industrialized world, Explorations in Ecology reconnects our children with the outdoors—where curiosity, confidence, and creativity grow.

How can parents and educators be better stewards of our children’s growth and development in an unstable world? With decades of experience as a science educator in K–12, alternative schools, and homeschooling groups, Peter Kindfield shares a vision for childhood education that restores a sense of wonder and belonging in young people and shows adults how to dive into outdoor education with confidence. A tremendous resource for today’s ecologically minded caregivers and educators, Explorations in Ecology is chock-full of engaging, playful, science-rich activities to help kids—and their adults—better understand the world and their essential role in it.

To these ends, the book will include:

• Activities that include permaculture gardening
• Gathering edible and medicinal plants
• Bushcraft skills like building fires and shelter
• And much more!

• Systems theory
• The water and carbon cycles
• Photosynthesis
• The molecular kinetic theory of heat
• Soil composition
• Basic taxonomy
• Rocks and minerals
• Basics of ecological design and building.

About The Author

Peter Kindfield has an MA in Child Development and a PhD in Science Education from UC Berkeley and is certified in Permaculture Design. He’s been a professional educator for over forty years working as a public school teacher and classroom researcher, a lead science staff developer and science coordinator for the NYC Public Schools, a professor of science education for undergraduate and graduate-level courses, and a K–12 teacher and principal of The Farm School in Summertown, TN. Currently, he offers nature-based science classes for children ages 5–14, teaching ecology and nature skills through outdoor play—both a homeschool and after-school program. He also offers consulting services on all aspects of designing and implementing outdoor learning environments, speaks at conferences about nature education, and coordinates The Deep Adaptation Educators group; the Deep Adaptation Forum is a global social network with over 17,000 members committed to responding to the collapse of our eco- and social systems with love.