Why use Lovelock’s Gaia theory?
The ROEE programme is aimed at 10-12 year olds, an age at which children naturally focus on small aspects of their surroundings, such as patterns or insects. The concept of Gaia, however, is huge. Taken to its limits, it concerns the relationship of a planet within the universe, a concept which can be difficult to visualise, especially for children. However to leave children with a lack of understanding of the world around them will affect the choices they make in their everyday life and the future. Children are encouraged to explore the natural environment in many ways. Sessions are structured and use a combination of close observations, sensory experiences and adventure activities which lead children on a journey of discovery, engaging their attention at an appropriate level and aiming to encourage a learning situation which will stimulate a higher level of thinking.
