Date of Award
4-6-2025
Document Type
Thesis
First Advisor
Rebecca Alexander, Sponsor
Second Advisor
Christina Holmes, 1st Reader
Third Advisor
James Benedix, 2nd Reader
Fourth Advisor
Sai Guo, 3rd Reader
Abstract
This thesis aims to demonstrate that relationships between students and nature can be improved through teaching young learners about music and bugs together, potentially leading to a greater overall love for and willingness to protect nature. The thesis features original teacher action research conducted over multiple weeks in a first grade classroom, with observations and data to support the efficacy of the methods discussed. This thesis analyzes literature that supports how increasing empathy toward bugs at a young age can have tangible benefits for the environment, how ecoliteracy as a framework is an effective means of teaching about nature, and how implementing constructivist learning theory can benefit an interdisciplinary curriculum focusing on music and bugs. Takeaways from this literature are applied to a set of lesson plans and materials that general elementary music teachers in kindergarten to second grade contexts can adapt and employ within their classrooms while still meeting music education standards. A three step process for preventing and reducing fear of bugs is created to address gaps in the referenced literature to provide an educational scaffolding: demonstration and exposure, education, and facilitation of activities. Overall, this thesis aims to set a foundation for young learners to develop musical abilities, empathy for bugs, and apply other skills learned to the future climate decisions they will have to make.
Recommended Citation
Burgess, Paige '25, "Tiny Creatures, Big Lessons: Using Music Education and Ecoliteracy to Impact Young Learners' Perspectives on Bugs and Nature" (2025). Honor Scholar Theses. 312, Scholarly and Creative Work from DePauw University.
https://scholarship.depauw.edu/studentresearch/312
Included in
Environmental Education Commons, Music Education Commons, Science and Mathematics Education Commons