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1, 2, 3, 4
Known as the 'Hundredth Monkey" project, researchers studying a population of monkeys on an island in Japan noticed that if the younger members of the troupe learned a new behavior - in this case, washing sand off a sweet potato - the behavior quickly spread to other members of the troupe.
However, when a few stalwart old-timers refused to adopt the behavior, it stopped short of being adopted by the entire population. It was later learned that as the old-timers died off, the behavior did eventually reach the whole population.
Taking a lesson from the animal kingdom, it was apparent that behaviors could change within a generation if the right individuals received and adopted the new information. And who were the "right" individuals in this case?
The youth!
The implications are clear. By giving people - young as well as old - the opportunity to communicate and share their stories about nature and the environment, we can facilitate changes in attitudes and behavior that can benefit the planet.
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Other things you might find interesting:
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Langley Middle School - Service Learning Leader
The Jane Goodall Institute's Roots and Shoots Program
The Earthwatch Institute
Earthwatch in the Arctic, by Mimi Hassett
Learning, Fun and Adventure, by Bane Sansted, 7th Grade
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