Recently, I made a Pecha Kucha as a class project about Preserving Your Natural Surroundings. In one point, I mention the benefits of nature in improving happiness. At the time, I knew there was science behind it, but did not have time to research it or say it in my voice over. Today, I found some empirical evidence to this statement.
The Evidence
Now, a few weeks later, I have come across an article by Jill Suttie titled How Nature Boosts Kindness, Happiness, and Creativity on the Mindful magazine website (www.mindful.org). In it, it outlines that some recent science suggests that nature can help keep our brains and bodies healthy (http://www.mindful.org/how-nature-boosts-kindness-happiness-and-creativity/). Just like the author, I feel I now have science to back-up my long-standing belief that that nature boosts happiness.
In the article, Suttie summarizes that, “Scientists are beginning to find evidence that being in nature has a profound impact on our brains and our behavior, helping us to reduce anxiety, brooding, and stress, and increase our attention capacity, creativity, and our ability to connect with other people.” How wonderful! I could not have summarized the science better if I read it myself.
The Video Project (Pecha Kucha)
I built my pecha kucha presentation to address an underrepresented population or teach something to an underrepresented population. Although, high school students don’t always fit into “underrepresented”, I believe they are not always treated as responsible young adults who can make a difference in natural preservation. I chose to address high school students for this reason and appeal to human attraction to beauty and nature. Watch the video to see my work!
https://voice.adobe.com/a/PoO4b/ (I couldn’t get it to embed)
You can view this project on my corresponding portfolio page: Creative Designs for Instructional Materials.
