Directions
1. Choose a Topic
Your topic should have something to do with what we've been reading and discussing in Louv's Last Child in the Woods . What did you find interesting about the book? Is there anything that you particularly agreed with, disagreed with, or wanted to know more about? You can choose a topic that Louv covers in depth (the seminars are a good jumping off place, if any of them interested you particularly.) You could also choose a topic more loosely related to Louv's ideas.
Here are a few suggestions, if you are stuck for a topic. Remember, you are free to choose whatever topic you want; you do not have to confine yourself to this list. The only requirement is that the topic be somehow related to the material presented in the book.
- Current findings and practices in the field of nature therapy
- Current findings on child development that highlights the benefits of a relationship with nature in early childhood.
- Biography of a well-known person, highlighting his/her relationship with nature
- The use of Ritalin and other drugs to treat ADD and ADHD
- Modern "back to the land" movements in the United States
- The link between body and mind for maintaining health and well-being
- Modern educational practices (pro or con) and how they promote or discourage interaction with the natural world
- The effect of technology on children
- School's influence on children's technology habits
- Cultural attitudes toward technology and/or nature
- The unique American experience with the wilderness (the first and second frontiers)
- Climate change and its implications (could be scientific, cultural, political amd/or social implications)
- Recent innovations in cities and towns in bringing nature into the community (i.e. parks, community gardens, green belts, etc)
- Small farms and Big Agribusiness
- The culture of fear in America (you might agree or disagree with Louv if you want)
- The history of our national parks
- Political battles over the environment
- Pollution and its effect on health
- Free choice - propose another topic inspired by the reading and/or discussions. For example, you could do an oral history of an older friend or relative who remembers spending most of his or her time outdoors, using current research to back up that person's observations.
Keep in mind: you can argue with points that Louv makes, if you disagree with him or see flaws in his logic. See the following article by Naoma Shalit, who argues that Louv fails to make his case
Shalit, Naomi. "Does Richard Louv’s Last Child in the Woods say anything new?" Gist.com. 31 March 2006. Web. 4 March 2013.
2. Identify your issue and create a list of questions or avenues of inquiry.
What is the issue or problem, as you see it? What do you already know about this issue? What more would you like to know? Who does the issue or problem affect, and how? What are the direct and indirect causes of this problem? What might be some solutions or further recommendations?
3. Develop a research strategy. Where will you go to get the answers to your questions?
4. Find and evaluate information. Find credible sources to help you develop your ideas about your topic.
5. Create an Annotated Bibliography to keep track of your information.
6. Formulate a thesis and an outline of the main supporting points.
7. Create a rough draft with citations.
Make sure you are using both parenthetical (in-text) citations and a final Works Cited! The final copy of the Works Cited will be an updated version of your Annotated Bibliography, without the annotations.
8. Proofread, edit, revise and submit!
9. Relax with your favorite beverage. Congratulations
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