Sociology 2: Investigation Summary on Informal Learning Settings

This Sociology 2 investigation summary explores the value and challenges of learning outside the traditional classroom setting, focusing on informal environments like zoos and aquariums. The assignment synthesizes research articles and other materials to examine how these settings contribute to environmental learning, conservation awareness, and the understanding of nature. It addresses key issues such as the importance of zoos and aquariums in education, the challenges of evaluating informal learning, and the significance of outdoor recreation for diverse communities. The summary highlights the role of these settings in promoting healthy behavior, fostering connections with nature, and educating the public about sustainable living. It also addresses the challenges faced by economically disadvantaged groups in accessing these educational opportunities and the importance of making these resources accessible to all.

Running head: SOCIOLOGY 1
Investigations Summary

SOCIOLOGY 2
Summary
According to Tardona, Bozeman & Pierson (2014), public parks and recreational areas
are key areas to ensure the health of the environment and play critical role in maintaining healthy
ecosystems. In today's world, sustainability has become one of the major factors behind
conservation of natural resources, adoption of healthy practices and promoting open spaces such
as parks and other recreational areas. A country having zoos, aquariums, parks and other public
lands can make a difference in conserving the nature, wildlife and wild places. Each year
millions of visitors spend on vacations, other recreational activities, visit zoos, aquariums and
enjoy the natural world. However, the important question here is if people understand the
importance of aquariums and zoos, and their perception towards animal conservation and their
safety. People visit with prior knowledge to the zoos and most zoos and aquariums provide
education staff and train volunteers who provide conservation messages to visitors. In the recent
times, communities are coming together to make the society more sustainable and allow more
people to recreational behavior for a healthy future.
According to Packer & Ballantyne (2010), the value of learning about the environment
and the conservation of natural beauty and animals has taken a central role. Zoos and aquariums
informally teach people the value of entertainment, leisure, zoological education and
conservation of nature. It can be understood that urban residents have lesser opportunities of
connecting with nature therefore educating them has become important. Modern Zoos and
aquariums focus more on changing the perspective of the visitors. However, learning is
simulated from within and generates by the interests of the learner. Today, as opined by Le
(2012), urban settings demand increased levels of physical activity, but visiting nature parks and
historical places can be challenging for people belonging to ethnic minorities and disadvantaged
people. However, the importance of experiencing outdoor recreation and physical activity within
a natural surrounding can be a dream for many people living in urban settings. If children are
exposed to nature at an early age, it allows them to develop their learning and make choices.
A suggested by Packer & Ballantyne (2010), many historical settings such as museums
act as center for informal education as people get direct experience with people, places and real
objects. It is not necessary for people to learn only from Zoos, aquariums and museums but these
places can potentially allow people to develop their own way of understanding and make

SOCIOLOGY 3
personal connections. However, there can be challenges for economically disadvantaged inner-
city children and their families and people belonging to ethnic groups. These people might not
experience the joy of visiting such areas of recreation, but the educational offerings will allow
them to engage with nature, surroundings and people with different backgrounds. For instance,
Le (2012) opines that majority of parks and recreational areas in US are surrounded by white
people but they are majorly used by Hispanics as their behavior suggests that they value family-
oriented activities and outdoor recreation. The challenge also lies in making people understand
the value of outdoor recreation wide range of benefits associated with it.
The key issues identified from the learnings are lesser knowledge among people about
the importance of having Open Spaces, recreational activities and appreciation for the natural
environment and other living creatures. People are aware of the importance of maintaining good
health but very few participate in outdoor recreation. In order to live an active lifestyle, role of
parks and recreation areas are promoted. Even though people are adopting conservation methods
to safeguard the environment and their surroundings, it requires them to be fit and active. Zoos
and aquariums have the potential to reach general public with a powerful message of
safeguarding the planet. However, people must understand they need to be educated about
sustainable living to secure their present and future generation.

SOCIOLOGY 4
References
Falk, J. H., Reinhard, E. M., Vernon, C., Bronnenkant, K., Heimlich, J. E., & Deans, N. L.
(2007). Why zoos & aquariums matter: Assessing the impact of a visit to a zoo or
aquarium (p. 24). Silver Spring, MD: Association of Zoos & Aquariums.
Le, L. (2012). Hispanic and White Visitors in US National Parks: Meta-Analysis of Visitor Use
Survey. Journal of Park & Recreation Administration, 30(4).
Packer, J., & Ballantyne, R. (2010). The role of zoos and aquariums in education for a
sustainable future. New directions for adult and continuing education, 2010(127), 25-34.
Tardona, D. R., Bozeman, B. A., & Pierson, K. L. (2014). A program encouraging healthy
behavior, nature exploration, and recreation through history in an urban national park
unit. Journal of Park and Recreation Administration, 32(2), 73-82.