Touched by the earth : the impact of a multi-sensory immersion program on Year 7-8 students

In light of the much discussed 'disconnect' from nature, educational moves towards a 'connect' with the natural world through ecological ways of experiencing, thinking and knowing are crucial: these are called ecopedagogies. When the arts are incorporated into ecopedagogies, what may this reveal about the nature of communication with the environment? 'Touched by the Earth' is a place-based enrichment program for year 7 and 8 gifted and talented students on the South Coast of New South Wales. Dialogue with artists, scientists, historians, and Aboriginal elders on the site was facilitated with students as a means of broadening their own creativity and providing immersion in the place as a multi-modal creative approach through film, dance, poetry, writing, drawing, painting, and music. Our case study approach, conducted through participant observation of the year-long program, examines the impact of creative methods on young adolescent participants. The research addresses the questions: What does it mean to be touched by the earth? How can the Arts amplify a personal relationship with the environment? Data was collected through interviews, student generated material (artifacts, video and photos) and observation notes. Our findings indicate the crucial role of embodied learning through creative methods in place-based pedagogies. It is a powerful vehicle for personal enrichment and facilitates a bridge between the outdoors and the classroom.