Happy Humans

Connecting with nature gives humans many benefits.

You know how it feels when you’ve been stuck inside for a long time, and you finally step outdoors. How refreshing it can be to take a deep breath of fresh air, and feel the sun on your face. Why is it that even a short stay in nature can reduce stress and improve our well-being?

1. Arrange pupils to sit down in a circle.
2. Instruct them to close their eyes and think of a place they would like to be right now.
3. Prompt them: “Where do you see yourselves? How do you feel? What do you smell?” 
4. Still with their eyes closed, ask pupils to raise their hand if their favorite place is somewhere outdoors.
5. Finally, ask pupils to open their eyes and see how many hands are raised.

Usually, about 80% of students chose an outside location , e. g. mountains, water, forest, meadow.

Simple explanation

For most of human history, people lived completely different lifestyles than we do today, with much more time spent outdoors. Today, there are many proven benefits to regular contact with nature. Human health and happiness seems to have become dependent, over time, on our staying connected with nature. This is likely why so many people think of somewhere outdoors when asked where they'd like to be.

More detailed explanation

For 95% of human history, people lived as hunters and gatherers, directly relying on the natural world for most of their needs. The idea that humans have an innate love of nature, and that this tendency helps human health and wellbeing, is known as biophila (from bio=life; philia=love). Biophilia is a hypothesis first introduced by psychologist Erich Fromm in 1964 and then re-introduced by biologist Edward O. Wilson.

Integrating nature into our daily lives can be achieved by implementing biophilic design elements in our homes, schools, public spaces, shops, and factories. Spaces should be designed to reflect our innate love of nature, with more green spaces, views outside, water elements, daylight in buildings, natural materials (wood, stone), natural colours and shapes, large photos of nature, etc. Psychologists have even found that simply adding plants to an office can increase well-being by 47%, creativity by 45%, and workplace productivity by 38% (read more here).

Another study confirmed that the implementation of biophilic design in education spaces resulted in increased rates of learning by 20-25%, improved test results, better concentration levels and attendance, and reduced impacts of ADHD (read more here). Other studies also suggest that biophilic design in health care facilities increases recovery rates of patients.

Some STEAM opportunities include:

• Identify how humans are adapted to suit their environment in different ways and that adaptation may lead to evolution.
• Observing and raising questions about how humans are adapted to their environment.
• Recognise how lifestyle choices have an impact on human body function.