Education and nature in Spain one hundred years ago

Abstract

Three characteristic components of modern environmental education have distinct roots in the relationships between nature and education established by some advanced scientific and educational groups in Spain, the turn-of-the-century and particulary in the Institución Libre de Enseñanza, a private school founded in 1876. First, a concern about advances in natural sciences can be detected in the educacional field. Second, the direct experiece of nature through outings and other activities is regarded as a comprehensive educational tool. Third, first conservationist initiatives emerge and some natural areas are protected, its public use including education in a broad sense.