Who Goes There? Linking Remote Cameras and Schoolyard Science to Empower Action

Taking Action Opportunities (TAO) is a curriculum that combines guided reflection, a focus on the local environment, and innovative use of wildlife technology to empower student action toward improving the environment. TAO is experientially based and uses remote cameras as a tool for schoolyard exploration. Through TAO, students engage in research design, implementation, and analysis, and increase participation in environmentally responsible behavior. TAO was tested with fifth-grade students (age 10-11 years) through a pre- and posttest design. Treatment groups (n = 93; 4 classes, 2 years) were compared with control (n = 89; 4 classes, 2 years) and baseline data (n = 458) to measure knowledge, attitudes, and behavior. Students in the treatment groups demonstrated significant (p <.01) gain in all categories. These students left fifth grade with experience, skill, and confidence in improving their environment.