Marketing Law and Ethics Essay

Being ethical as a marketer has its advantages as well as its disadvantages. The ‘negative’ advantages are obvious, all of which point to personal and business gain. However, to say that one must act unlawfully to be unethical would be false. The provided statement is completely factual and is particularly relevant to marketing and, more accurately, business, in the fact that â€Å"ethics are not, by definition, counterproductive to profit, but may be beneficial to profit.† Hypothetically, a marketer would need to accept the above statement as ‘bible’ in reference to the marketing mix, or rather simply, ‘the four P’s (price, product, promotion and placement). The simplistic fundamentals of marketing and business, the marketing mix is essential to the success of a business and their respective products, so it is appropriate that it also be applied to another quintessential factor of business in ethics. The first and arguably most important aspect of the marketing mix, price can pose quite a few ethical dilemmas and has done so in the past. One example of this is price collusion or price-fixing. This is where a product or service is set at an unreasonable price with knowledge that the consumer can’t afford not to purchase the product or service. One such instance of this occurred in America when leading toy chain Toys ‘R’ Us â€Å"violated federal trade laws by colluding with manufacturers to keep prices for Barbie, Mr. Potato Head and other popular toys artificially high.† While it was unlawful, it was also an unethical act as well as a form of extortion. The second factor of the marketing mix, product, is also subjected to ethical dilemmas. Planned product obsolescence is a prime example of an unethical act in relation to product. This is where there is a planned life-span of a good, producing a product so that it will wear out inside a period of time, most often beyond it’s warrantee. To say such an act is unethical is to question how much disclosure of information is truly enough. In my personal  opinion, it is a wrongful act and one that I consider unethical. On the other end of the spectrum, acting ethically and creating a reliable product would be just as beneficial to a company and it’s reputation, if not more so. Promotion can also be unethical. Attempts to persuade someone that a product is ‘needed’ by them when it quite obviously is not is wrong, especially when there are so many influential consumers in the market. Intrusive marketing is unethical as well. Alternately, promoting a product responsibly and ethically can be quite beneficial to a business, particularly when the â€Å"highest standard of moral conduct† has been reached, which makes a business appear conscious of unethical behaviour. One example of this is the Body Shop which is the benchmark in ethical business practices in Australia. Product placement is often quite deceptive. Some may consider the issue of placing products on certain ‘eye-levels’ on a shelf as well as promoting impulse buying via product placement as unethical. Such acts are generally taken for granted in today’s consumer-driven society and are not seen as a disadvantage to the consumer, though some people, particularly parents, may be more vulnerable to this unethical practice. If I were faced with an unethical dilemma in my workplace I would have to consider a variety of matters. Having done so, there is a set variety of steps that would need to be looked at taking before resolving the issue or issues. The external factors of price deception, product deception, fairness and honesty may come up as being ethical dilemmas. These issues would make consumers view my place of work in a negative way and would need to be dealt with quite thoroughly. The reputation of the workplace and that of myself amongst my peers, family and the industry would need to be taken into account when acting upon such issues. I would probably have to mention it to someone of a higher authority though and help them to decide whether it would be beneficial to act upon these matters. The external issues of bribery and, confidentiality, are two other matters  one may come across in the workplace. These are both very real and very sensitive matters that can destroy a company from the inside. I would consider taking the matter to the police if it were seriously affecting me personally or the company quite badly. I would also consider confronting the offender/s, though this is a very unlikely option. In all of the above cases, the options are quite clear though the steps that can be performed or should be vary. It depends on the situation as to whether one should keep the issues secretive and internal or the consumers should know about the company’s ethical wrong-doings. To ask this is to ask whether society would be better off if information is disclosed. On a personal level, one must consider his or her own reputation and financial and social well-being. It is a very complicated matter and one with no set procedure. The first issue I chose from the advertisements scrutinized by the Advertisement Standards Bureau was that of the Just Jeans advertisement. The ASB’s decision to uphold the complaint is one which I agree with in some respects. The violence and Health and Safety factors are quite disturbing and are justifiably held up. There is an aura of horror in the description of the advertisement which can be distressing to fragile people influenced negatively by that sort of thing. It is also quite dangerous and gratuitous. The complaint regarding portrayal of sex, sexuality and nudity is quite silly I believe. Though it might seem a bit risquà © to the untrained eye, society should have learned to gradually accept the aspect of ‘sex sells’ by now. Soap operas, billboards and even teenage reading publications use sex, nudity and sexuality to market their various products and services, it’s become a way of life and to argue against it would be to be taking on something much too dominant and widely accepted to be warranted. The Advertiser Code of Ethics is ridiculous in this sense, not taking into account the changes in our culture and the acceptance of sex, sexuality and nudity by the wider population. Having said that, I believe that industry self regulation is weak in this aspect. The wider social acceptance of the  level of gratuity an advertiser can use should be taken into account and as long as there are so few people setting so many rules, I doubt this will ever occur.

Marriage, Divorce, and Military Families

Running head: Marriage, Divorce, and Military Families Marriage, Divorce, and Military Families Marriage is a conduit through which God's grace flows to the couple and their children. The church understands marriage between a man and woman to be a sacrament, a visible sign of the grace that God gives them to help them live their lives here and now so as to be able to join him in eternity. Marriage is social as well as religious, but its religious aspects are very important. The Bible repeatedly compares the relationship between man and wife to that between God and Israel or between Christ and his Church. For marriage is a holy vocation. Since the Church sees marriage as holy, it believes it must be treated with reverence. It also recognizes that marriage is basic to the health of society and therefore a public institution that must be defended against harm. Marriage is a public institution. Consequently, proposals that could harm the institution of marriage must be subjected to the same sort of objective analysis that we give any public policy question. Marriage is not just a private matter of emotion between two people. On the contrary, its success or failure has measurable impact on all of society. Rational analysis yields solid, objective reasons for limiting marriage to one man and one woman-reason anyone can agree with on purely secular grounds (Zinn, B. M. , D. Eitzen, S. , Wells, B. , 2008). However, one of the downsides to redefining marriage would be the weakening of the meaning of marriage, which would be divorces. Human nature being what it is, if the meaning of marriage is weakened, it will be psychologically easier for even more people to divorce. Look at what happened when â€Å"no-fault† divorce was legalized. The divorce rate skyrocketed. If the nature of marriage is further undermined in the minds of couples then when things get rocky, more couples will be tempted not to work through their problems and get happy again but rather to divorce and find someone else (Hogan,  P. ,  ,  R. ,  2010). That is a bad idea, because most marriage therapists agree that divorce generally â€Å"doesn't work. † Divorce doesn't solve the problems that caused the first marriage to break up. Divorced people bring the same problems to their new marriages that broke up their old ones. That's why second and later arriages are statistically far more likely to end in divorce than first marriages are. Also, a large majority of couples who contemplate divorce but stay together describe themselves as â€Å"happily married† five years later. So staying together â€Å"works† better than divorce. The Romans had an interesting view towards marriage – ‘matrimonia debent esse libera’ or ‘marriages ought to be free’. This meant that either spouse could opt out of the marriage if things weren’t working out for them. Centuries later, Victorian England had a vastly different view (Bouvier, 1856). People got married and stayed together for better or for worse. Society frowned on divorce and divorced people were likely to find themselves social pariahs. In the present century, both these views prevail. It depends on which part of the planet you live in and in what kind of culture. â€Å"Divorce rates are higher in European or American countries, where individual freedom is given higher stress, than in, say, Asian or African ones, where familial and social opinions cause higher stress. With globalization, of course, the ‘backward’ countries are catching up. Women, especially, with access to higher education and higher salaries, are less willing to put up with traditional roles and expectations† (Devine). Social and cultural moralists are having a field day, predicting, like always, dire consequences for the ‘social fabric’. No, divorce isn’t joy-inducing, but then neither is a corrosive marriage. In such a case, splitting up is preferable to staying together ‘for the children’ or to keep up social appearances. Anyway, it all really depends upon the kind of relationship you have. Some relationships are worth working on, some aren’t. There are many different and complex causes and reasons for divorce, each of them specific to that particular couple’s marital relationship, their individual experiences and personal problems. None of them may seem ‘common’ to the people going through a divorce, of course, but many of the reasons recur enough to warrant the term. These causes for divorce may vary from the lack of commitment to the marriage to the lack of communication between spouses; infidelity; abandonment; Physical, sexual, or even Substance Abuse, etc. Furthermore, it takes a very special person to stand and accept that the rest of their lives are devoted to something larger than themselves and their own little worlds. It takes an incredible commitment and an enduring love to withstand a life supporting someone else who may not be there by their beside on days when you are feeling blue, and who may not hold you in those times when the life around you is not so sweet. Now, marriage is hard enough, there are times when all husbands and wives question the sanity of a relationship that requires such hard work. Couples get through this by being together and keeping at it as a team. Sadly, many military relationships do not have this luxury of being together to keep things on track. This is when the military husband or wife just has to sort through â€Å"couple issues† alone (Rentz et al, 2007). Only the strongest committed individual can carry the weight of two in a relationship, and it takes a strong intimate trusting bond to make it at all possible. The military eases the lives of service members and their families in some very significant ways. Paychecks are regular. Benefits, such as healthcare and legal assistance, are unparalleled in the civilian world. And, in a time of economic uncertainty, the job security provided by the armed forces is a true blessing (Rentz et al, 2007). However, every positive aspect of military life is matched by at least one negative, especially for married service members and their families. Military and civilian marriages face the same marriage-stressors and marriage-killers, but the challenges faced by military marriages are both compounded and additional (Banner, 2008). Danielle Rentz and associates argues that the impact and stress of war may occur before, during, and after deployment and extend beyond the military soldier to include stress and emotional disturbance for his or her family. Anticipation of deployment can lead to feelings of anger, resentment, and hurt within the family. Separation during deployment may create the assumption of new family roles by the partner left behind, disruption of family routines, uncertainty about the service member’s safety, and the inability to plan for the future (Rentz et al, 2007). They base their discussion on the research and studies on the Effect of Deployment on the Occurrence of Child Maltreatment in Military. Betty Myers writes a testimony of her days married to a military man and unravels a story from past that lead to divorce. Her story is yet another cause for divorce within a military family. The stress of war and unknowing of what occurs to a spouse takes a toll on a marriage. This is a testimony of her personal experience and this will assist my paper for the causes of divorce (Myers, 1988). Bennington Banner analyzes the statistical data of military divorce rate in every branch of the Arm Forces. He states that the long and repeated deployments required of many troops have been widely blamed for unprecedented stresses on military couples. Spouses at home must manage families and households without their partner. He concluded that there were an estimated 10,200 failed marriages in the active duty Army and 3,077 among Marines, according to figures obtained by The Associated Press for the budget year ended Sept. 30. His data can help me prove the point that the numbers of divorce in the Arm Forces are staggering (Banner, 2008). Joseph Devine explains that military marriages undergo a very specific set of strains. They face the possibility of sudden moves to far-off locales, rapid deployments, and even premature death. He stated â€Å"when you're married to someone in the military, it's often like you're married to the military itself† (Devine). Your life revolves around what the military wants from you and your spouse, and there's not a whole lot you can do about it. In summary, the ways in which each military marriage survives are all personal and unique to their own, but the emotional journey is one that can really be understood only by another military spouse (Hogan,  P. ,  ,  R. ,  2010). The one thing all military spouses have in common with each other is their ultimate pride in their husbands and wives, and to survive the journey as a military spouse, their shared pride of place alongside their incredible military husbands and wives. While military marriages are an entity of their own, the non-military couples could learn many things from them. The special goodbyes for instance are important. A military husband or wife knows the value of not leaving issues unresolved, and has learned the art of letting the silly things go (Hogan,  P. ,  ,  R. ,  2010). They do not have until the afternoon, or the next day or the day after that to get over it, they are too aware that tomorrow is unpredictable. A military marriage does not have the time to wallow in unimportant debate. The most important thing to them is to be sure to let the one they love know that they are appreciated. Petty unimportant arguments have a way of clouding the unconditional love that holds a marriage together. References Banner, B. Divorce rate up in Army, Marine Corps. (2008,  December  3). Retrieved February 3, 2010, from ProQuest Newsstand. (Document ID:  1606239161). Bouvier, J. (1856). Matrimonia debent esse libera. (n. d. ) A Law Dictionary, Adapted to the Constitution and Laws of the United States. Retrieved April 27 2010 from http://legal-dictionary. thefreedictionary. com/Matrimonia+debent+esse+libera Devine, J. Divorce and the Military. Retrieved from http://ezinearticles. com/? Divorce- and-the-Military=3605202 Hogan,  P. ,  ,  R.. (2010). Marriage and the Military: Evidence That Those Who Serve Marry Earlier and Divorce Earlier. Armed Forces and Society,  36(3),  420. Retrieved May 4, 2010, from Career and Technical Education. (Document ID:  2002732321). Myers, B. (1988). Story Of A Thrown-Away Military Wife. Minerva,  VI(2),  77. Retrieved February 3, 2010, from ProQuest Central. (Document ID:  624746591). Rentz, E. D. ,  Marshall, W. S. ,  Loomis, D, Casteel, C. , Martin, S. L. ,   Gibbs, D. A. (2007). Effect of Deployment on the Occurrence of Child Maltreatment in Military and Nonmilitary Families. American Journal of Epidemiology,  165(10),  1199-206. Retrieved February 3, 2010, from ProQuest Health and Medical Complete. (Document ID:  1268687131). Zinn, B. M. , D. Eitzen, S. , Wells, B. , (2008). Divorce and Remarriage. (Ed. 8) Diversity of Families (pp. 393- 410). Prentice Hall

The Cask of Amontillado and Annabell Lee

Sloan Davis EH223 Rita Treutel 12-4-10 â€Å"The Cask of Amontillado† > â€Å"Annabell Lee† Edgar Allan Poe is arguably the best romantic writer we have ever seen. I believe â€Å"Annabell Lee† and â€Å"The Cask of Amontillado† are perfect examples of Romantic Literature. â€Å"The Cask of Amontillado† and â€Å"Annabell Lee† both possess romantic subject matter, attitudescomma and techniques commabut â€Å"The Cask of Amontillado† has been called the â€Å"perfect short story† by a number of critics of the years, and I would undoubtedly agree. The Cask of Amontillado† begins with a strong characterization and mood continuing throughout the entire story. It stresses strong grotesque and gothic themes of terror and even encounters the universal fear of the unknown, making the story appealing to virtually everyone. Montresor makes a very interesting comment in the beginning of the story, â€Å"†¦. and he did not perce ive that my smile now was at the thought of immolation. † From the beginningcomma Montresor had grotesque thoughts of what he wanted Fortunto’s fate to be.Montresor committed premeditated murder. â€Å"Annabell Lee,† also has romantic subject matter but it is an interest in the past. Even though both works by Poe have romantic subject matter â€Å"The Cask of Amontillado† draws the reader in with every sentence packed full of romanticism that never even gives the reader a chance to put the story down. In both works, Poe does a wonderful job of not focusing on details of location. He tells the reader just enough to get them hooked and leaves the reader hanging without details. The Cask of Amontillado† automatically gives the reader a vague view of the situation. Poe begins with, â€Å"The thousand injuries of Fortunato I had borne as I best could, but when he ventured upon insult I vowed revenge. † What are the â€Å"thousand injuries† t hat Montresor is talking about that Poe never reveals throughout the story? In the second line, â€Å"You, who so well know the nature of my soul†¦,† we are once again given vague details. Who knows Montresor so well that they know his soul?Is Montresor retelling this story after it has taken place? If so, to whom would he share such a dark secret? These questions are ones that make this story so captivating. The sense of mystery invites readers to dive deeper in the world that Poe has created. Poe also gives the same sense of mystery in â€Å"Annabell Lee† by giving no specific time and setting; just a vague visual in the first two lines, â€Å"It was many and many a year ago, In a kingdom by the sea.. ,† once again raising questions that have no answer.I believe the sense of mystery is emmensely stronger in â€Å"The Cask of Amontillado,† further proving itself as the â€Å"perfect short story. † In the poem, â€Å"Annabell Lee,† Poe digs deep into emotions, rather than reasoning. In the poem He his love for Annabell Lee was so strong that it made the angels jealous of their love. In the fifth stanza, my favorite line of the poem, â€Å"And neither the angels in heaven above, nor the demons down under the sea, can ever dissever my soul from the soul of the beautiful Annabell Lee. The stress on emotion is so beautifully written, and Poe does an amazing job of making the reader feel, relate and understand the love for Annabell Lee. â€Å"The Cask of Amontillado† also has strong emotion. Montresor vows to get revenge for the wrongs that Fortunato did to him, whether it was all in Montresor’s head or it is reality. I find it very interesting in the last paragraph of the â€Å"The Cask,† Montresor says his heart grew sick after the deed was complete, is he feeling remorseful or simply sad that it is over and he received no more pleasure from his revengeful act.

Chronic Kidney Disease Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Chronic Kidney Disease - Research Paper Example Chronic Kidney Disease becomes evident after kidney function is extensively impaired. Identification of disease process helps people to understand its cause, modes of treatment and outcomes from treatment or failure to treat. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the disease process, major treatment strategies and their impact to the disease process, and give a Nursing Evidence-Based Practice. It will also present a case study on the disease, and present a Nursing Care Plan for the disease. Chronic Kidney Disease is a problem that occurs when a kidney function is impaired by a disease, causing damage to it. Impairment on the kidney results from some of the organs attached or related to the kidney having been affected due to other infections. Examples of the diseases commonly associated with causing kidney failure include diabetes, high blood pressure, urinary tract obstruction, and recurrent kidney infections, among others. According to Medical News Today (MNT), there are a number of factors that contribute to developing chronic kidney disease, which include; a family history of the disease, age; this disease mostly affects people over 60 years, urinary tract obstruction, kidney diseases at birth, high blood pressure, sickle cell disease and medication, among others (Nordqvist, 2013). Chronic Kidney disease affects the normal functioning of the body. According to National Kidney Foundation (NKF), the kidney is responsible for production of hormones called erythropoietin (EPO), which signals the body to make red blood cells (NKF, 2008). When one has kidney disease, the body may not be able to make EPO and this leads to reduced red blood cells which may lead to anemia. Since a combination or a group of cells of the same kind and which perform similar function makes a tissue, the effect of chronic kidney disease on cells affects formation of tissues. An arrangement of

PARALLEL ALGORITHM FOR MULTI-DIMENSIONAL MATRIX MULTIPLICATION Research Paper

PARALLEL ALGORITHM FOR MULTI-DIMENSIONAL MATRIX MULTIPLICATION OPERATIONS REPRESENTATION USING KARNAUGH MAP - Research Paper Example The basic concept EKMR is to transform the multi-dimensional array in to a set of two-dimensional arrays. EKMR scheme implies Karnaugh Map which is a technique used to reduce a Boolean expression. It is commonly represented with the help of a rectangular map which holds all the possible values of the Boolean expression. Then the efficient data parallel algorithms for multi-dimensional matrix multiplication operation using EKMR are presented in this study which outperformed those data parallel algorithms for multi-dimensional matrix multiplication operation which used the TMR scheme. The study encourages designing data parallel algorithms for multi-dimensional dense and sparse multi-dimensional arrays for other operations as well using the EKMR scheme since this scheme produces the efficient performance for all dimensions and for all operations of the arrays. Multi-dimensional arrays which are also referred as tensors or n-ways arrays are usefully applied to a wide range of studies or methods such as climate modeling, finite element analysis (FEA), molecular dynamic and many more but still many issues have been encountered regarding efficient operations of these multi-dimensional arrays. Most of the proposed methods are successful in case of two-dimensional arrays which do not show accurate results when applied to the extended form of tensors. This occurred due to the traditional matrix representation (TMR) which is an array representation scheme that is commonly used to represent the multi-dimensional dense or sparse array. Dense and sparse are the two categories of the array form which are provided through the various data parallel programming languages [2] for instance, Vienna Fortran, High Performance Fortran, etc. If all or most of the array elements are non-zero values then it is called a dense array. On the other hand, if most of the elements of the array are zero then it is called a sparse array. When an operation is applied

Business and Institutional Marketing Coursework - 1

Business and Institutional Marketing - Coursework Example The last few decades witnessed dramatic growth in information technology and currently it has become one of the most robust industries in the world. Since the IT sector has a high rate of productivity, particularly in the industrially developed world, it plays a great role in driving the overall global economic growth. Economies of scale influence both consumers and enterprises to increase the demand for IT products and services; and this situation in turn contributes to the rampant growth of IT sector. Nowadays, information technology as well as hardware and software associated with IT sector have become an integral part of almost all global industries (Economy Watch 2010). Since information technology is potential enough to reduce the cost of production to a clear extent, every major company tends to acquire IT products and services despite the implementation costs. Dell, Inc. and IT industry Dell, Inc. is a Texas based American multinational IT corporation which deals with the development and sales of IT products and services. Currently, Dell is one of the world’s largest technological corporations with a potential of more than 103,300 employees (Dell, 2011). The company has been ranked at 41st in the Fortune 500 list. Development of customer base and mergers and acquisitions are the major expansion strategies of Dell and its major mergers and acquisitions include Alienware (2006) and Perot Systems (2009). As of 2009, the company’s product lines include personal computers, data storage devices, computer peripherals, and software. The Dell is well known in the IT industry for its innovativeness in supply chain management and e-commerce sector.

Analysis Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Analysis - Assignment Example These questions represent 16% of the total question set. These questions may therefore need to be replaced by other questions which may be considered of optimal difficulty. Those having an optimal level of difficulty would have a difficulty index (P-value) of 0.50 0r 50% and those which were considered to0 easy would have a P- value of between 90 and 100 %. These are: From the information above and the Bar Graph in the Appendix it is clear to see that the easy questions are concentrated from the 1st to the 14th question, with the highest percentage (38%) coming from Chapter 15. A total of eight (8) questions were taken from this chapter. In applying the difficulty index five (5) questions fell below the optimum P- value of 0.50. These are considered fairly difficult and the percentage of candidates who answered them correctly ranged from 31 to 46%. The quiz items were as follows. This represents 10% of the total test items. Here Chapter 15 is featured once again. This additional information implies that 50% of the questions taken from that chapter may not be appropriate. I say may because there are various reasons why they may be allowed to remain. Low P-values normally suggest difficult items. It could mean that the question confused some candidates or that the contents related to those test items may need to be re-taught. The percentages noted above are considered above the P-value that would require the content to be re-taught. Further analysis could be carried out on items on the quiz that may be discriminatory. High values would be suggestive of discrimination (R). When a test item has a high R value it suggests that the candidates who received high test scores got the item correct while those with low scores in the quiz got the item incorrect. The Bar Graph and Pie Chart in the Appendix gives a graphical illustration of the results of the

Crocargo Logistics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Crocargo Logistics - Essay Example The business has been unable to generate enough capital to increase the ultimate profitability of the firm. The fundamental problem highlighted in this case is that of an inadequate costing system and an internal environment characterized by friction. The company is operating in a very hostile and competitive marketplace. The costing system that is needed to support the operations of the company is totally inadequate to keep the company operational for a very long time. The current costing system has been developed by the company’s operations manager who is more than satisfied with her costing system. She is not willing to take anyone’s opinion regarding the problems inherent in her system, as a result of which the company is not accounting for the costs it is actually incurring. The general manger of the company has finally realized this problem and has called for an external help who would suggest a more competitive costing method. Introduction An activity-based costi ng technique is one of those techniques which enable a company to identify its costs objects more accurately. This aspect of this technique has profound implications on a business, for instance it allows a company to identify unnecessary costs, price its products or services more efficiently and last but not the least it allows a company to be more competitive in its industry. ... So it goes like more the environment is competitive, more the costing system needs to be sophisticated. The costing system should effectively match costs with different cost objects. All these objects are integral to the ABC costing system (Brimson, 1991). Since the level of competition is high in the service competition, therefore a service firm needs to accurately estimate its costs. This new change in the industry has made costing a strategic issue; it has become so important that it effects long-term strategic decisions as well as day-to-day operating decisions. Costing has become so important because it helps a firm in: product or service organization, staffing and resource allocation. Accurate costing allows a company to plan resource consumption, price services properly and implement different strategies. But it is very difficult to initiate an Activity Based costing in a service firm, because in a service firm an employee is engaged in multiple activities involving different time-period. This makes it difficult to trace the resources consumed by a cost object (Cagwin and Bouwman, 2002). Even though the service industry is interested in implementing an activity based costing system, but since these models are made using the activity based costing models of a manufacturing firm as frame of reference, therefore the industry is facing multiple problems with regards to this technique’s implementation. The fundamental problem for this service industry is the absence of inventory, which receives an utmost importance while undergoing a valuation process. Other important cost variables are direct material and labor which are also absent in a service industry. This leads to a problem of estimating

Mind and body Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Mind and body - Essay Example Freud believed that the mind is structured into two parts: the conscious and unconscious mind. The conscious mind represents the things which can be brought into awareness easily or those we are aware of while the unconscious mind represents the things outside our awareness but influence our behavior (Cherry, nap). Out of these parts, personality is formed which comprises of three components: id, ego and superego. Id is part of the unconscious mind; it is the most primitive and source of all libidinal energy (life instincts) and death instincts. It operates on pleasure principle hence seeks immediate gratification of needs. The ego mediates between the id and superego and operates on reality principle. Its work is to ensure demands are satisfied in acceptable ways hence delayed gratification is preferred (Austrian 15). The superego on the other hand, acts according to the moral standards. The ego in its mediation works encounters difficulties leading to anxiety. This prompts it to de velop defense mechanisms such as rationalization, repression and denial to protect itself from anxiety. Freud also believed children develop in stages (psychosexual stages) with energy focused on different parts of the body at each stage and failure to progress to next stage leads to fixation while success leads to healthy development. For example, getting fixated at phallic stage can lead to Oedipus for boys and Electra complex for girls. These include: oral, anal, phallic, latent and genital stages (Cherry, nap). Freud also developed a theory of dreams to explain the unconscious mind. For him, dreams are â€Å"a royal road to the unconscious† (Austrian 14). They reveal repressed memories from childhood desires unfulfilled. He emphasized on the role of instincts especially sexual instincts in driving people to dream. He interpreted dreams through free association whereby women would narrate their experiences revealing their hidden truths. He enumerated

Minority politics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Minority politics - Essay Example the post- racial American society marred with widespread racial unemployment disparities and serious racial wealth gaps that are not primarily attribute to differences in educational attainment. Throughout the article, the two authors particularly espouses the view that bold policies for economic justices urgently need to be instituted in order to help redress the current racial economic inequalities in different parts of the United States. This is primarily based on the argument that throughout the history, the U.S has always been characterized by a longstanding pattern of structural racial inequalities that has further deepened due to the recent economic downturn. For example, the article argue that although the U.S Bill of Rights and the constitution guarantees freedoms to all Americans, the post slavery America has always been characterized by a highly stratified social system that has continued for many years. According to Darity and Hamilton (82), although considerable improvements have been made in the income gap, both the racial wealth gap and employment gap have remained stubbornly persistent. The article offers two potential remedies to the current economic justice that involve the implementation of racially neutral programs that could help eliminate racial economic inequality while at the same time benefiting all Americans. For example, one of the recommendations of the two authors is that the federal government should implement federal jobs guarantee to all American citizens by providing an economic security of a job and minimizing the threat of unemployment among Americans. On the other hand, the authors also propose that the government should also institute substantial child development accounts for all American citizens regardless of their economic position at birth. Such child development accounts will be expected to grow progressively depending on the familial asset positioning of the parents of a child and will be an important way of providing

Compare and Contrast the Concepts of Durkheims Social Facts With Essay

Compare and Contrast the Concepts of Durkheims Social Facts With Webers Bureaucracy - Essay Example Weber’s views were different, he firmly opposed the idea â€Å"that history had some ultimate end, and seriously doubted the possibility of human liberation through a socialist revolution† (Hughes et al, 2003: 55). According to him, the organisational form of rationalisation is that of the Bureaucracy, and this too contributed greatly to the meaninglessness of modern life, with the individual becoming increasingly insignificant within the vast administrative structures. Weber perceived Bureaucracy as an â€Å"iron cage† resulting from industrialism, stifling unique human qualities in both socialist and capitalist societies. The two scholars differed in their purpose and approach to sociology. Durkheim extended the study of science to the study of social facts, whereas Weber attempted to provide existing social studies with a better foundation. Hence, Durkheim consistently expressed his belief that social facts had distinctive properties which must be recognized in order to make the study of society more scientific. On the other hand, Weber did not pioneer a new field, his work treated old themes and known materials with a new precision and from the standpoint of new questions. Durkheim’s and Weber’s different definitions of â€Å"social facts† and their divergent sociological studies of religion reveal the differences in their perspectives (Bendix, 1989). Similarities in the work of the two social scientists include the fact that both Durkheim and Weber refer to ways of anthropomorphising society, that is, they provide a human form to society. In their individual ways, they emphasise the knowledge that both Social Facts and Bureaucracy theories respectively, dominate lives and therefore society is seen as a living thing, as seen in the following comparison: Durkheim (1982) stressed that social facts cannot be defined by their universality, there may be different and distinctive manifestations. They are general

High School Life Essay Example for Free

High School Life Essay High school is a place where young teens learn to become mature and responsible. It is a place where students get trained to take on bigger challenges in life. Obstacles such as college. From my own personal experiences, high school didnt seem that way. Students were more concerned about getting a passing grade then about what they were taught. They would even cheat their way out of high school. This would prepare them for college. My freshman year of high school, I was in a totally different place and it seemed quite interesting and fascinating at first. As the year passed by, I started to notice the techniques students were using to pass classes. It was something I didnt see while I was in junior high school. Students were cheating on almost all the tests. They would bring little print-out cheat sheets to class to use on the tests. Hardly anyone got caught by the teacher. When students did get caught, all they would do is deny and usually the teacher would just let them get away with it. As Casey Banas wrote in Why Students Are Turned Off? I sometimes estimated that half to two-thirds of a class cheated on a given test, Glanz said. Worse, Ive encountered students who feel no remorse about cheating but are annoyed that a teacher has confronted them on their actions (Banas 659). Cheating seemed like the popular thing to do and if you didnt cheat you would be considered real foolish.. Everyone in the class knew what was going on and it was basically a whole class effort to cheat. Students would discuss what the answers were before taking the test and give each other opinions on how to cheat safely. When the test came back, every student in the class would have a real close score, but the teachers didnt seem to notice anything at all. Most of the students that go into a certain class usually wouldnt even know what went on even after the class has ended. As Casey Banas wrote: The teacher is convinced that the subject matter is worth knowing, but the student may not agree. Many students, Glanz said, are not convinced they need to know what teachers teach; but they believe good grades are needed to get into college†¦.(Banas 659) These kids could literally just sit there for forty-five minutes daydreaming. I find that many students feel the classes are extremely boring and is of no use to them in the future. I always used to ask myself Why do I need to know this stuff for?. When students feel this way, they dont do the work because they dont think they need it in life. When I used to go to high school, my whole class would get assignments and home works and about almost three-fourths of the class didnt do it. Instead they would wait until someone who was paying attention and did do the assignment to come along and let them copy the assignment. They would do it in way that the teacher wouldnt even know by slightly changing some words here and there. After that, that paper gets passed around the entire class to the students who didnt do the assignment and everyone would have a slightly different paper. This way all the students hand in the assignment and will get a passing grade, but did they even learn anything?. These techniques that were used in the high school that I attended did work and a lot of students graduated from high school using these techniques. I, myself, used these techniques and got through my freshman year. As time went on I found that high school was really boring so I decided to cut and eventually dropped-out of school. These students got good grades and did all the assignments, but the truth is, they didnt learn much at all. They can have a 85 average and get into a good college, but will they be prepared enough to survive college level work? I dont think so.

Eccentric and Concentric Bench Press Comparison

Eccentric and Concentric Bench Press Comparison Introduction Resistance training is an exercise modality that can be defined as a movement working against an external load resulting in physical adaptations (McArdle, Katch Katch, 2014). It is utilised by many as a means of increasing muscular strength, improving athletic performance, reducing the risk of injury and to maintain a healthy lifestyle. An average resistance training programme would incorporate a variety of static and dynamic movements whilst under an external load (Jones, 2009). Whilst the muscles are static, the fibres are in a fixed state and no change in length occurs. However, in a dynamic movement muscles go through a shortening and lengthening process. The concentric phase involving the shortening of muscle fibres, and the eccentric phase involving the lengthening of the fibres. Current literature proposes that eccentric and concentric training illicit different training responses and therefore could produce different muscular adaptations (Rosete et al. 2015). Although there are a variety of methods to provide resistance in a training sense, traditional exercises involve moving a load in opposite directions (i.e. push/pull) where there is a shortening (Concentric) and subsequent lengthening of the muscles (Eccentric). Proske (2001) describes the concentric phase as the actions that initiate movement, whereas the eccentric phase slows movement or brings it to a halt. Some research indicates that muscles acting in an eccentric fashion produce more force than when working concentrically. Other research shows eccentric movements have different fatigue patterns to concentric movements which could explain their apparent superiority. The intended purpose of this proposal is to quantify if concentric bench press yields less strength than eccentric bench press, measured via a 1 rep max max test. Literature Review As previously defined, resistance training is movement working against an external load resulting in physical adaptations. The health benefits of resistance training are widely documented with most of the literature reporting on musculoskeletal adaptations. Recently there has been an emergence of literature detailing other outcomes of resistance exercise such as benefits for metabolic disease (Jurca, 2005), bone density health (Lohman et al, 2003), all-cause mortality (Metter et al, 2002), mobility (Janssen et al, 2002) and quality of life (Levinger et al, 2007). Furthermore, resistance training provides a means of exercise for people whose current cardio vascular based regimes such as jogging or swimming have become too difficult. Based on these findings, resistance exercise is now considered an imperative component of a regular training program. The eccentric phase of a muscle action is when the force generate by a muscle is inferior to the external load. This is characterised by a lengthening of the muscle even though an actin-myosin cross bridge is formed. In this instance when actin separates from myosin it is regarded as a mechanical separating rather than chemical (Flint Hurst, 1978). In contrast, a concentric muscle action involves the actin filaments being pulled over the myosin filaments as the muscle shortens. This is commonly known as the Sliding Filament Theory (SFT).ÂÂ   SFT refers to the movement of actin and myosin sliding over one and other. (Baechle Earle, 2000). Cross bridges are separated through the splitting of an Adenosine Tri Phosphate molecule, thus making it a chemical reaction rather than mechanical. This is a more energy dependant process and should result in less trauma to the muscles. Eccentric muscle action, when used in a resistance training setting has been shown to improve neural activation (Enoka, 1996), muscular strength (Hortobagyi, 1996) and increase muscle size (Vikne et al, 2006). Enoka (1996) goes on to suggest that muscles become more resistant to fatigue when working eccentrically. Placing emphasis on the eccentric phase of an exercise has been proven in some studies to be effective at improving strength than an even split of eccentric/concentric (Brandenburg Docherty, 2002). Research has been conducted to examine the physiological and metabolic effects of concentric actions versus eccentric muscle actions. A study by Hollander et al, (2008) examined if contraction type (Eccentric/Concentric) or load (Absolute/Relative) has a greater metabolic impact on resistance exercise. Seven resistance trained men were included in the study. Their concentric 1 rep max determined for several exercises then their 1 rep max for eccentric was estimated at 20% greater. On completion of the initial 1 rep max testing, participants completed a further 2 bouts of maximum lifts in a random order: concentric only lift and an eccentric only lift. They were then assessed on rating of perceived exertion, pain rating and heart rate. Tests were conducted to take samples of blood PRE/POST exercise, and 15 minutes after exercise had finished to identify lactate and cortisol levels. To analyse the data, a repeated-measure ANOVA was used. No differences were noted between concentric and eccentric trials for pain rating and perceived exertion. Heart rate was significantly higher in every exercise except lat pulldown. Levels of lactate were significantly higher directly post exercise and 15 minutes after following concentric training compared to eccentric training. The study shows that at a relatively lower intensity, concentric and eccentric training show similar rate of perceived exertion pain perception under a relative load (%eccentric1RM= %concentric1RM +20%).ÂÂ   This suggests that you can overload the eccentric phase of an exercise with 20% more than the concentric phase and the body is not negatively affected. Heart rate was maintained at a lower threshold throughout training apart from in one instance despite the eccentric phase holding a 20% greater load. This potentially indicates that eccentric exercise could be deemed as a safer modality of exercise than concentric Enoka (1996) conducted a study highlighting the differences in concentric and eccentric muscle actions in regards to neural activity. Previous studies suggest that neuralogical factors can augment strength gains in trained (Edgerton et al, 1986) and untrained individuals (Komi, 1986) whilst also increase the efficiency in which they can lift sub-maximal loads (Ploutz et al, 1994). It is also noted that neural factors increase the synchronization of motor units (Milner-Brown et al, 1975). A motor unit is defined as motoneuron and all its associated fibres (Bachle Earle 2002). An action potential is passed through the motor neuron, this releases a hormone which passes across a neural junction resulting muscle fibre activation (Baechle Earle, 2000). To increase the force generated by a muscle, motor unit activation must increase frequency, or recruit more motor units at once. Usually motor units activate in a uniform sequence, inferior unitsÂÂ   activate first with superior units coming in to play when the external load becomes too great, commonly termed as the size principal (Baechle Earle, 2000). In order to generate maximum force, it is necessary for all of the motor units within a muscle to activate. In most people the size principle applies, lower threshold units being activated then the higher threshold as the load increases. Some research suggests that resistance exercise increases the efficiency that a person can recruit the higher threshold motor units (Sale, 1987). Enoka (1996) goes on to suggest that this differs for muscles working eccentrically. Research has identified that it is not likely to recruit all motor units during maximum eccentric contraction despite that fact that eccentric strength is usually 20% greater than concentric (Tesch et al, 1990). Aims Previous literature suggests that the strength of the eccentric portion of an exercise can be anything up to 120% greater than that of concentric (Hortobagyi, 1990). Current literature also proposes that eccentric and concentric training illicit different training responses and therefore could produce different muscular adaptations (Baechle Earle, 2000). From the previously mentioned literature, the following was hypothesised: Eccentric 1 Rep Max bench press will yield greater strength than concentric. Objectives The main objective of this proposal is to quantify the differences in eccentric and concentric bench press scores. Methodology Participants Twenty six males between the ages of 18 and 31 who have been taking part in resistance training for over 1 year volunteered for the study. For the purposes of this study resistance training experience is defined as having regularly trained bench press( 1p/w) over the year leading up to the study. Volunteers for the study where students recruited from sport and exercise science classes at The University of the West of Scotland, Hamilton Campus. It was required of the students involved in the study to firstly complete a Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire to ensure that they were physically fit enough to engage in the study. It was also required of the students to complete an Informed Consent document outlining how the study would be carried out, how it affects them and highlighting that they have the right to withdraw themselves at any time. Exclusion criteria from the study included: orthopaedic injuries, hypertension, cardiovascular issues and abuse of anabolic agents. Current dietary intake will not be monitored throughout the study, but it will have to remain consistent throughout its entirety. Once the study begins, participants may not take part in any resistance training out with study. The assumption is made that all participants will follow all testing protocols relayed to them for completion out with the laboratory. The participant is also required to abstain from exercise that is greater than the needs for daily living during the testing period. They must also refrain from taking any ergogenic supplements or making dietary changes throughout the testing period. Protocol The study will consist of 3 testing sessions over an 8-week period. Testing will be conducted in the strength and conditioning laboratory in the University of the West of Scotland, Hamilton Campus. Participants will be split into 2 even groups for testing, concentric and eccentric. Participants will be prompted to complete an informed consent document providing their approval to take part in the study. Once the document is completed and reviewed, anthropometric measurements will be taken: weight, height and body composition. Following anthropometric measurements, participants will perform a cardiovascular warm up on a cycle ergometer for (90RPM 5 minutes). This will be followed by an incremental warm up protocol for bench pressing (10,5 and 3 repetitions). The weight used here will be self-selective and should increase with every set (Baechle Earle, 2000). All three testing sessions will include the cardio vascular warm up, bench press warm up followed by 1 Rep Max testing in eithe r eccentric/concentric bench press, depending on what group the individual has been placed in. Participants will be allowed to have a few practice attempts with an unloaded barbell to familiarise themselves with how the testing will operate. The concentric group will perform their lifts by lying supine on a bench from the chest until they can fully straighten their arm, extending the elbow. The bar will be lowered down to their chest prior to each rep to ensure that only a concentric muscle action is being measured. This will be done via a pulley system and two additional spotters positioned at either end of the barbell. When the participant is unable to completely straighten the arms to complete the concentric bench press, the repetition will be deemed a failed rep. The eccentric bench press will involve the slow and controlled lowering of a barbell from full extension down to the chest. It should take the participant three seconds to perform this movement and tempo will be kept with a metronome to help to identify successful reps. On completion of a rep the barbell will be returned to the original position via pulley system and assistance from spotters. If the participant is unable to control the descent of the bar, allowing it to touch their chest before the 3 seconds ends the repetition n will be classed as a failure. To ensure that all the participants are safe, stringent measure will be taken. Spotters will be used during all exercise sets, warm up and testing. The pulley system will be lowered to the appropriate height for each user, this will be marked to ensure consistency with the operator. Chalk will be made available on request to reduce the likelihood of the barbell slipping from the hands. Statistics All data collected in the study will be analysed using an SPSS software. The data will be initially inspected to make sure it is acceptable. The mean and standard deviation will be calculated using a paired T test which will help to identify if there is a significant difference between concentric one repetition maximums and eccentric. References Baechle, T.R., Earle, R.W. (eds.). (2000). Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning, 2nd Edition. Human Kinetics, Champaign, IL. Brandenburg, J.P., and Docherty, D. (2002). The effects of accentuated eccentric loading on strength, muscle hypertrophy, and neural adaptations in trained individuals. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 16(1), 25-32. Lohman, E.C., Cussler, T.G., Going, S.B., Houtkooper, L.B., Metcalfe, L.L., Teixeira, P.J. (2003). Weight lifted in strength training predicts bone changes in postmenopausal women. Medicine and Science in Sport and Exercise, 35(1), 10- 17 Edgerton, V.R., Roy, R.R., Gregor, R.J., Rugg, S. (1986). Morphological basis of skeletal muscle power output. In: Human Muscle Power, N.L. Jones, N. McCartney, A.J. McComas, eds. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics. 43-64. Enoka, R.M. (1996). Eccentric contractions require unique activation strategies by the nervous system. Journal of Applied Physiology, 81(6), 2339-2346 Flitney, F.W., and Hirst, D.G. (1978). Cross-bridge detachment and sarcomere give during stretch of active frogs muscle. Journal of Physiology, 276, 449-465 Hollander, D.B., Kilpatrick, M.W., Ramadan, Z.G., Reeves, G.V., Francois, M., Kraemer, R.R. (2008). Load rather than contraction type influences rate of perceived exertion and pain. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 22, 1184-1193. Hortobagyi, T., Devita, P., Money, J., Barrier, J. (2001). Effects of standard and eccentric overload strength training in young women. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 33(7), 1206-1212 Hortobagyi, T., Hill, J.P., Houmard, J.A., Fraser, D.D., Lambert, N.J., Israel, R.G. (1996). Adaptive responses to muscle lengthening and shortening in humans. Journal of Applied Physiology, 80(3), 765-772. Janssen, I., Heymsfield, S.B., and Ross, R. (2002). Low relative skeletal muscle mass (sarcopenia) in older persons is associated with functional impairment and physical disability. Journal of American Geriatric Society, 50, 889-896. Jones, Gareth. Strength Training. 1st ed. London: Dorling Kindersley, 2009. Print Jurca, R., Lamonte, M.J., Barlow, C.E., Kampert, J.B., Church, T.S., and Blair, S.N. (2005). Association of muscular strength with incidence of metabolic syndrome in men. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 37(11), 1849-1855 Komi, P.V. (1986). Training of muscle strength and power: interaction of neuromotoric, hypertrophic, and mechanical factors. International Journal of Sports Medicine, 7, 10-15. Levinger, I., Goodman, C., Hare, D.L., Jerums, G., Selig, S. (2007). The effect of resistance training on functional capacity and quality of life in individuals with high and low numbers of metabolic risk factors. Diabetes Care, 30(9), 2205-2210 McArdle, William D, Frank I Katch, and Victor L Katch. Essentials Of Exercise Physiology. 1st ed. Print. Metter, E.J., Talbot, L.A., Schrager, M., Conwit, R. (2002). Skeletal muscle strength as a predictor of all cause mortality in healthy men. Journal of Gerontology, 57(10), 359-365 Milner-Brown, H.S., Stein, R.B., Lee, R.G. (1975). Synchronization of motor units: possible roles of exercise and supraspinal reflexes. Electroencephalography and Clinical Neurophysiology, 38, 245-254 Ploutz, L.L., Tesch, P.A., Biro, R.L., Dudly, G.A., (1994). Effect of resistance training on muscle use during exercise. Journal of Applied Physiology, 76, 1675-1681 Rosete, Fernando A. et al. Eccentric, Concentric, And Isometric Strength In Trained And Untrained Older Adults. Medicine Science in Sports Exercise 47 (2015): 24-25. Web. Sale, D.G. (1987). Influence of exercise and training on motor unit activation, Exercise Sport Science Reviews, 15(1), 95-151. Tesch, P.A., Dudley, G.A., Duvoisin, M.R., Hather, B.M., Harris, R.T. (1990). Force and EMG signal patterns during repeated bouts of concentric or eccentric muscle actions. Acta Physiologica Scandinavica, 138, 263-271. Vikne, H., Refsnes, P.E., Ekmark, M., Medbo, J.I., Gundersen, V., Gundersen, K. (2006). Muscular performance after concentric and eccentric exercise in trained men. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 38(10), 1770-1781

Designing a Natural Play Environment

Designing a Natural Play Environment Introduction ‘Natural Play is a fundamental aspect of a childs development and physical exercise. Through play, a childs personality develops and they gain a greater control of mind and body. Play has opportunities for social, ethical and emotional development. Environmental based play initiates instinctive play as well as self-reliance, confidence and maturity [1] Play is used as a medium for translating one childs personal culture to another, this quote portrays findings from the psychologist Arnaud in 1984 [2] ‘ I really believe there is something about nature that when you are in it , it makes you realise that there are far larger things at work than yourself.Being in nature can be the a way to escape without fully leaving the world. [3] Landscape architects have recently been given the responsibility to design ‘natural play schemes under the 2006 Play England initiatives which have provided the largest ever national investment in natural play. [4] Under these initiatives, the traditional concept of equipped play areas has been disregarded and instead, a greater emphasis is given to creating ‘naturalistic play environments for different age groups. Consequently, landscape architects have now a greater role in the development of play areas rather than the installation of equipment for play solutions. However, there are constraints which determine the extent to which landscape architects can give a ‘natural play experience. This study will explore and review recent projects in order to evaluate the success of such schemes. The research for this study is based upon the authors experience working on Newcastle City Councils Play Englands Play Pathfinder schemes during the summer of 2009 as well as design ing and building an aerial walkway on a woodland adventure trail which was developed on a farm open to the public. [5], [6] The study will be informed by examples from published literature, studies and information from play companies. Firsthand experience of the subject gained through designing, building and managing natural play areas as well as observations on regular visits to Skelton Grange Environmental Centre (Leeds) and during a field trip to Denmark (2009) will also be used. Aims and Objectives The aim of the study is to identify the principles behind the planning and design of natural play areas, as well as discussing constraints which affect the implementation. Factors that affect the design of natural play areas will be discussed; childhood development, social context, aspects of the site, management and expenditure as well as possible avenues which have not been considered under the Play England initiative. In doing this, it is hoped to determine to what extent ‘natural play environments can be designed and implemented in England. What is ‘natural play? Before discussing the design of ‘natural play schemes it is important to define ‘natural play and how it has evolved. Natural play provides play opportunities in a changing natural landscape. Natural play can enable children to feel more confident in themselves, often revealing their deeper feelings and sharing of their ideas. Natural play has many invaluable qualities that cannot be taught through structured learning activities; the theories of natural play are robustly supported by researchers from varied disciplines including psychology, education, philosophy, anthropology and recreation. [7] The evolution of natural play spaces The essence of childrens play has changed little over the centuries. The links between the play patterns of un-modernised and developed societies have been shown to be very similar. For example ‘!Kung children in the Kalahari desert use an object, in their case the sheath of a banana leaf, to symbolise a baby and these mothering games are similar to those played by children in developed societies who play with dolls. [8] However, adults controlling childrens lives have imposed a series of changing theories as to how they should play. During the age of enlightenment when all sorts of theories were being examined Rousseau (1712-1778), the French philosopher, valued the importance of good experiences to mental development in children. When he heard of children forced to read and not play he wrote â€Å"those who would rob these little innocents of the joys that pass so quickly, he went on to say, ‘We must never forget all this should be play, the easy and voluntarily control of movement which nature demands of them, the art of varying their games to make them pleasanter without the least bit of constraint. To a child of 10 or 12 work or play are all one, with the proviso that the activity of play is ‘with the charm of freedom. [9] The case studies for this essay have been chosen following observations of natural play schemes during 2008 2009. The sites cover the fundamental aspects and current trends of natural play used by after school clubs, Play England, Natural England initiatives, and environmental learning projects. Play pathfinders and play builder explain Skelton Grange Skelton Grange Environment Centre, Leeds is located 5 km from Leeds City Centre (figs.). The site is a gentle sloping 8 Acre site with woodland, open meadows, lawns and riverside walks. The site is located in a large industrial area on the periphery of Leeds City Centre and is leased from the National Grid. The project is an innovative, award winning, environmental education project that aims to bring alive the issues surrounding sustainable development. [15]The project is hoped to help people develop an understanding and appreciation of the environment by educating its visitors on ways to safeguard our future. The scheme funded by BTCV (British Trust for Conservation Volunteers) aims to use the Eco Centre and surrounding landscape to support a wide range of activities working mainly with children, young people and adults on school trips, play schemes, community groups as well as teenage individuals. The site is used for education and training sessions, practical conservation, and BTVC volunteer development. BTCV staff at the centre work with young people and adults, schools, play schemes, community groups and individuals on developing an understanding appreciation of their environment, and their role in safeguarding its future. The children who visit annually are from inner city West Yorkshire primary schools. These children gain many valuable experiences of environmental play which can be absorbed and provide inspiration for similar forms of play at home or school. The most striking issue which was observed on the site was the willingness to the children o learn and play in a rugged natural environment as many of the inner city children have a very limited horizons when it comes to getting out of town. Broom House Farm ‘Adventure trail Broom House Farm ‘Adventure Trail is Located in the Durham countryside approximately 6 miles east of Durham City (figs.). The adventure trail is set on land belonging to a diverse ‘organic farm enterprise. The surrounding landscape has a significant impact on the adventure trail as it is visible from the trail and relates to educational material within the trail. The woodland where the adventure trail is located is predominantly coniferous however there are many mature broadleaved species in the woodland. Most of the coniferous woodland was established over 50 years ago when the land was set aside by the farming tenants after it was open cast for coal. The woodland is very diverse in flora and fauna. The trail is open to the public and has approximately 4,000 public visitors, 60 school parties per annum. These include visits through a recent Natural England initiative (name it) . There are also visitors from institutions for people with special needs. The wood offers a wi de range of natural based learning activities and many outlets for un-structured natural play. The site has been designed to enable a sense of discovery for visiting children, consequently giving a strong bond with the environment. The site is unique in the area and proves very successful with all users, the blend of natural play, education and playing within a woodland environment strongly complement each other. Visitors with special needs gain special interaction with nature when visiting. The bonding with nature is also highly significant for children visiting the site from deprived inner city areas of Newcastle, Gateshead, Sunderland and Durham. During my experience as education/safety officer at Broom House Farm (2008), I supervised and carried out educational activities with the children. This was an important experience for me as over a period of time I was able to observe the children using the natural play setting. During the summer of 2009 I designed and helped build new additions to the adventure trail including a 100m raised board walk and other play zones (figs.). Denmark Junk Playground The play site is located in Fredriksberg, a central district of Copenhagen, Denmark. The site consists of a large clearing in a Beech woodland. The perimeter has mature trees which overhang much of the site. Shrubs have been integrated next to structures built by the children . This unique ‘Junk Playground also caters as an after school club for the adjoining school. The site offers a safe environment for children to be supervised from a distance, allowing them to construct a variety of custom built play equipment from shelters to play structures. This resource is run by adults employed by the council and funding from parents, all staff have a degree in some form of child development or education. The facility is also open at weekends when it is supervised by parents. The site is a huge success and is very popular. The value of this resource to the local community is very high; children are left at the after school club everyday so they have to be very imaginative in the playspace to keep them occupied. The outcome of what the children design and build is usually well implemented. The community involvement of many parents also helps safeguard the success of the site on weekends. The site has an importance policy which allows children to construct play equipment, this is a good example of allowing risk in the play environment. It was interesting to observe the competence of children as they explained what they had built and the construction methods learnt. More importantly the children explained that everyone uses the tools in a responsible manner, consequently there are few injuries. ADD? Children are constantly encouraged to be creative within the education system. Depending on their age many have a drive to create constructions. Through natural play, natural materials can be used to create personal play equipment. This adds a further dimension to the benefits of natural play. When children construct anything they feel more confident of another intuitive childhood process. Within the Danish junk playground, children are issued with and allowed to bring their own construction tools such as hammers, nails, saws and other materials to construct play equipment from the abundance of materials provided. These materials include wood, block paving and other recycled materials. The quality of the constructions made is inspected by adults for strength and any other irregularities. Through this process errors can be corrected and the equipment passed as being safe. The individuals responsible for the construction then shows their play mates and they share their special creations with each other and revise there constructions and equipment with a greater knowledge of construction. The constructions are often nestled and integrated within site, composed of mature trees and shrubs. The success of the natural environment is the popularity of building these structures and games within the greener areas of the site. Fagan refer to sketch book for his opinions and feelings about the thriving site from a childs perspective? Skrammellegepladsen A scheme in place in Fredriksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark were by children build natural play environments adding a different dimension to natural play, combining out of school care and natural play recreation. The results of this scheme is of huge significance to my study and is very popular on the streets of Copenhagen. Parents pick children up from the centre up to as late as 5 o clock. The children are fed with healthy meals which they often cook themselves, children are then free to roam the site playing and constructing play spaces. The children are issued with hammers, nails, wood, hard landscaping materials. The teaching staff all have degrees orientated around primary and youth education. The centre accommodates for ages up to 15 Years of age. There is a strong drive within Play England Guidelines to accommodate teenagers, in particular girls within natural play schemes within Britain. The site in Fritsberg is adjacent to a large inner city school so the visiting children have a quick transition between the two spaces. This could be more common as schools both within the inner cities and rural areas have a wider perimeter to their site with scope to expand, typically a site composed of wasteland grasslands, gravel, mud and pockets of trees with huge potential for transformation to create natural play spaces to socialise and spend countless hours in order to develop. The possibility for making the most of school yard sites would be of double affect as playground play is one few occasions children get to play in a safe environment. If developed playgrounds were open to the community more and not as segregated. As much of the school site in un used within the school timetable with limited Sport, Outdoor play and education it would make sense to make more use of these spaces as natural play sites. One of the biggest bonuss to the scheme adjacent to the school in Fritsberg is the lack of Adult intervention. The children when playing are left outside to their o wn devices yet could seek help, if needed from staff who located themselves near to the building entrance. Newcastle play sites Location Distance from city etc / Add type of landscape, fields, water, woodland and surrounding area flat, hills etc? These play sites have been identified by the council to be improved, using funding from Play England. These playgrounds up graded from a play pathfinder to play builder, Some of these sites have been completed ADD Observations not mentioned in table. How children use it. What you thought was good about it. The activities carried out in these environments have many benefits enhancing childrens ability to recognise and appreciate the natural play environment. Sketches of the natural settings within these sites have been included. The natural qualities deployed create stimulating surroundings with opportunities for more imaginative play and wonder. Adults may view nature as a surrounding for the childs activities. However children seem to view a natural play space as a sensory experience and a place where they can interact within a fantastical environment. Children develop their imagination continually through everyday experiences, which is essential in the childs development as a well rounded individual within society. Why is natural play important today? Natural play environments offer a diversity of natural landscape experiences such as trees, vegetation, wildlife, plants, shaded areas, shelter, water, rivers and hiding spaces create a timeless naturalistic landscape. Children using natural play environments can become thoroughly engaged with nature. [16] The wide variations of the natural elements to play schemes can trigger unique spontaneity, for example playing with living creatures such as insects, building dens with natural materials or setting physical challenges within the environment such as climbing trees. [17] Children seem to have a natural affinity with nature and love for the natural outdoors but today opportunites for this can be limited. Natural England carried out a survey in 2009 which identified that less than 10% of children have the opportunity to play in woodland settings, the countryside or parks. The research also discovered that only 24% of children visit a natural environment once a week in comparison to 53 % of adults who did so in their childhood. [18] The benefits to children from playing in natural play environments A recent lecture by Paul Walker the Director of Timbercare (designers and builders of natural play landscapes, mainly manufacturing wooden play units) highlighted his personal opinions of many elements of natural play. He concluded his speech by saying that ironically the investment within the surrounding landscape of a play area was more valuable to children than a collection of individual equipment which the company specialises in providing. [19] Walker felt strongly about his childhood experiences of natural play, he told many stories of his freedom one of which was how by the age of 11 he had a 6 Mile radius to roam within central Sheffield. The complexity of his different play spaces were therefore hugely diverse including post industrial landscapes, derelict buildings, woodland areas, canals and streets. Walkers primary concern for his industry today is the necessity for low risk in play. Although safety standards now take a more balanced approach he felt they could go further. [20] He felt his childhood experiences of natural based play had a variety of different elements of danger and risk taking, making children of that era much more adventurous and evolving life skills in the changing environment around Sheffield. Another professional who believes that children should have similar opportunities to Paul Walker is an American journalist Richard Louv whose revolutionary phrase ‘Saving Our Children from Nature Deficit Disorder sums up the restrictions facing the majority of children in modernised society. The quote below illustrates trends in child play. ‘ONE EVENING WHEN (sic) my boys were younger, Mathew, then ten, looked at me from across a restaurant table and said quite seriously, â€Å"Dad, how come it was more fun when you were a kid?†. Within the space of a few decades, the way children understand and experience nature has changed radically. The polarity of the relationship had been reversed. Today, kids are aware of the global threats to the environment but their physical contact, their intimacy with nature, is fading. Thats the exact opposite of how it was when I was a child. [21] Louv feels that our affinity to nature is innate and in jeopardy across the modernised world. Quoting Sobel he discusses the changes which have occurred in the experience of obtaining food suggesting that food has become almost abstract now being a product in a supermarket which has little connection with the field or farm it came from. Children are now having to learn where food comes from through schemes such as Natural Englands ‘Learning Outside initiative.[22], [23] School trips to farms in England are limited as they take up considerable financial and staffing resources and often only occur once a year as seen at Broom House Adventure Trail. [24] Urban living can be an experience which is disconnected from nature and can create â€Å"ecophobia† a term which Sobel devised to explain a fear that nature can be physically dirty and dangerous. While working at Broom House Adventure Trail it was apparent from children and teachers that children were warned not to get dirty and were wearing expensive designer clothing. This made a barrier to the children fully experiencing natural play and it would be beneficial to the children if teachers made it clear to parents that there would be a strong possibility of clothes getting dirty and damaged. Some of the children also seemed initially hesitant and detached from the natural environment. [25] Benefits to Childrens Health from Natural Play Watching children using the play sites described in this study it is obvious they expend a great deal of energy and burn many calories. Not all children prefer sport and some do not like organised activities, but all children want to play. Natural play offers less structured opportunities for refining skills such as balance, endurance and confidence and provides a valuable solution for steering children away from childhood obesity. Many children are at risk from health problems caused by their life styles which include poor diet and lack of exercise. In 2009 it was reported that ‘25% of boys and 33% of girls between two and 19 are overweight. [26] It was noted in this survey that â€Å"parents are getting so used to seeing overweight kids, they do not recognise their own children are obese†. These problems cost the National Health over  £2 billion annually. County Durham is one of the worst areas in England for childhood obesity. [27] At Broom House Farm Adventure Trail it was noted that the obese children had less self confidence, were more negative in their approach to playing on the equipment and were teased by classmates. Benefits to Childrens Mental Health from Natural Play The BMJ group estimate that 2 children in every class of 30 schoolchildren will have ADHD. [28] There is a strong belief that children with behaviour and learning difficulties, such as ADHD, are thought to be deprived from the experience of natural play. [29] Louv reports that parents of children with these problems are being taken to natural play environments in order for them to experience situations which require intense concentration, the children are compelled to observe what is around them and become part of the environment rather than separate from it. [30] Children with special needs at Broom House Adventure Trail were seen to greatly enjoy the sensory experience of being close to vegetation, running around and watching others playing on equipment. The carers commented that the escapism of being in such a calming atmosphere was beneficial to their state of mind and they would appreciate access to such a facility more often. One respite care home arranged for their children to attend the adventure trail weekly in conjunction with their other activities. Benefits to Children from interaction with playmates Today many children in England lead less active lives as they are able to watch non-stop television or play indoors on computer games. This decreases the amount of interaction they have with parents, siblings and friends. Curry and Arnaud noted that ‘By the age of four and five children are extremely sensitive to each other and acutely tuned to what interests, pleases or provokes another child. [31] Decreased opportunities to interact through observation, collaboration and discussion during play can have a damaging effect on the confidence of a child and their ability to interact in play environments and in their future lives. Playing with others give children the chance to learn about equality and become integrated within wider cultures. During a consultation process at Kippax Ash Tree Primary School the children discussed their visit to Skelton Grange where they worked together making a shelter and a ‘pebble island to simulate an imaginary civilisation in the woodland. The idea of the project was to encourage the children to integrate through constructive play and say how they would survive on the island. The outcome was a number of sustainable solutions which they had learnt about during the course of the day. Opportunities to develop self reliance Natural play environments develop a childs independence and self sufficiency. When a child enters a natural play environments they can develop a distance from their carers or parents either individually or with other children exploring. This opportunity for play can be achieved in any outdoor space, however in a natural play environment it is enhanced by the magical natural surroundings. This process is important to children who live in confined conditions and are restricted from access to natural play by the location of their accommodation and poverty. White and Stoecklin state ‘While the development of greater independence from toddlerhood to middle childhood can happen within the confines of indoor spaces, safe space outdoors greatly adds to the ability of children to naturally experiment with independence and separation, and the adults willingness to trust the childs competence which is essential for separation to happen. [32] When children accompanied by parents played in the woodland at Broom House they were often heavily restricted by parents who would not allow them to explore the zoned play spaces alone. This was seen on many occasions and created a barrier to the full potential of the natural play experience for their children. It was interesting to note that although school children stayed within their small teaching groups and despite not being in the comfort of their friendship groups, they were sufficiently stimulated to play together. It was also interesting to observe that the children moved quickly from the natural based play equipment to evolve new imaginative games, making maximum use of the woodland. It was also observed that the paths were used as catalyst for exploring the site within a time limit. [33] Opportunities for exposure to nature Our interactions with nature can be hugely diverse depending upon the environment which a child lives in or is exposed to. The experience of different materials, changing seasons and making connections to nature are important components in natural play. [34] The provision of living material in natural play landscapes incorporates the underlying processes of nature and therefore gives a strong understanding of nature gained through physical interaction and watching seasonal changes in the landscape. ‘Plants and vegetation as a medium within play spaces develop interactive skills. Plants stimulate discovery, dramatic pretend play, and imagination. Plants speak to all of the senses, so its not surprising that children are closely attuned to environments with vegetation. Plants, in a pleasant environment with a mix of sun, shade, colour, texture, fragrance, and softness of enclosure also encourage a sense of peacefulness†[35]. When children experience nature, it can be in a v ariety of sensory experiences its value is precious and can be remembered for a long time. Children appreciate the natural layers of the earth no matter how small the play space. Moore recorded a conversation with girls about playing in sand ‘We make streams in the sand when it rains and comes down the hill the girls said. The got down on their hands and knees and embarked on a sequence of sand play. Within a few moments they had laid out a network of â€Å"roads† running around the humpy surface of the fine, hard-packed, sandy soil. Other infrastructure such as houses and an imaginary manor house was also built. [36] * Water play The outdoor environment provides a variety of contrasting surfaces with different textures and play qualities. Recent heavy snowfall in England (2009) triggered instinctive responses to an element which acted as a catalyst for all ages to enjoy excitement and freedom without hesitation or social barriers. Natural materials are used to enhance environmental play for deprived inner city schools of Leeds such as Skelton Grange Environmental Centre in Leeds (West Yorkshire). One of the many natural based activities completed by school visitors is to construct components of the imaginary settlement described above using, sand, soil, water, twigs and leaves. This exercise although educational connects the children with natural materials. Design Design of Natural play environments can produce a range of natural play experiences rather than a single type as per traditional equipped play area†¦ DISCUSS HOW How can a landscape architect in the UK create ‘natural play environments? The previous section outlined an understanding of what natural play is, case studies and the benefits of designing natural play areas. Play England have given landscape architects the opportunity to design natural play areas in many parts of England what considerations need to be taken into account when designing them? New Initiatives of Play England between the years 2006 2009 Play England began working for the childrens play programme in 2006 and 2007, with funding gained from ‘The Big Lottery fund. The recent Play England guidelines show the design principles of Play England. Play England has produced many documents summarising the commitments announced for the Play Strategy of England. The two most relevant one to this study include the ‘Play Strategy and ‘Design for Play. [37] ‘Weve recently moved over to assessing the tenders on play value much more and this has forced the quality standards up, with suppliers now trying to outdo each other for natural play as well as good design and sheer quantity of features †¦ we score each activity and feature for points and use this information to guide us in consideration of the tenders. In the end though it still comes down to us trying to decide which will offer the best play opportunities for the next 15 years or more. Play England have worked in tune with a range of professionals to ensure the best possible guidelines for Landscape Architects to work towards during implementation of the national Play Strategy in their work. Play England is supporting local authority Playbuilders and Play Pathfinders (focusing on 8-13 yrs olds). Their purpose is to deliver the governments  £235m investment in play and natural play in order to create innovative and adventurous play spaces across the UK. This level of investment has not been made before in England. The Play Pathfinder scheme is intended to provide free play opportunities for children and young people in the country over the next 10 years. The Government announced in April 2009 that the overall success of the schemes would be reviewed by children in their local areas. A conference is planned in March 2010 and will explore the future and momentum of the campaign after the last four years. Play England Guidelines Since 2006 Landscape Architects have been required by Play England to adopt design principles which take into consideration the summarised guidelines below for new and refurbished natural play schemes (please see appendix 1 for Play England Design Principles in full); [38] Enhancing the site. Site analysis work ensuring the spirit of the chosen site is enhanced, complementing attractive parts of the site and enhancing poorer environments. Using the best location. A balance in defining the exact location of the proposed park, between safety of the child user and seclusion. Enhancing natural features of the site as well as adding new features./Adding a variety of new soft landscape material and natural landscape features in urban and rural play sites. Providing opportunities for diverse play./This includes accommodating natural play for all age ranges including devising social spaces for parents and carers onsite. Provide the opportunity for children of all abilities and needs to mix./ There should be no barriers for people with special needs which may include carers or parents. Encourage community participation in the design process./ The design required has to work for the community and captivate preferences of the neighbours of the site. Ensure the play space can be used by all ages./ The play site must incorporate many aspects of risk for its users to develop an understanding of risk. Design to develop childrens experiences of taking r Designing a Natural Play Environment Designing a Natural Play Environment Introduction ‘Natural Play is a fundamental aspect of a childs development and physical exercise. Through play, a childs personality develops and they gain a greater control of mind and body. Play has opportunities for social, ethical and emotional development. Environmental based play initiates instinctive play as well as self-reliance, confidence and maturity [1] Play is used as a medium for translating one childs personal culture to another, this quote portrays findings from the psychologist Arnaud in 1984 [2] ‘ I really believe there is something about nature that when you are in it , it makes you realise that there are far larger things at work than yourself.Being in nature can be the a way to escape without fully leaving the world. [3] Landscape architects have recently been given the responsibility to design ‘natural play schemes under the 2006 Play England initiatives which have provided the largest ever national investment in natural play. [4] Under these initiatives, the traditional concept of equipped play areas has been disregarded and instead, a greater emphasis is given to creating ‘naturalistic play environments for different age groups. Consequently, landscape architects have now a greater role in the development of play areas rather than the installation of equipment for play solutions. However, there are constraints which determine the extent to which landscape architects can give a ‘natural play experience. This study will explore and review recent projects in order to evaluate the success of such schemes. The research for this study is based upon the authors experience working on Newcastle City Councils Play Englands Play Pathfinder schemes during the summer of 2009 as well as design ing and building an aerial walkway on a woodland adventure trail which was developed on a farm open to the public. [5], [6] The study will be informed by examples from published literature, studies and information from play companies. Firsthand experience of the subject gained through designing, building and managing natural play areas as well as observations on regular visits to Skelton Grange Environmental Centre (Leeds) and during a field trip to Denmark (2009) will also be used. Aims and Objectives The aim of the study is to identify the principles behind the planning and design of natural play areas, as well as discussing constraints which affect the implementation. Factors that affect the design of natural play areas will be discussed; childhood development, social context, aspects of the site, management and expenditure as well as possible avenues which have not been considered under the Play England initiative. In doing this, it is hoped to determine to what extent ‘natural play environments can be designed and implemented in England. What is ‘natural play? Before discussing the design of ‘natural play schemes it is important to define ‘natural play and how it has evolved. Natural play provides play opportunities in a changing natural landscape. Natural play can enable children to feel more confident in themselves, often revealing their deeper feelings and sharing of their ideas. Natural play has many invaluable qualities that cannot be taught through structured learning activities; the theories of natural play are robustly supported by researchers from varied disciplines including psychology, education, philosophy, anthropology and recreation. [7] The evolution of natural play spaces The essence of childrens play has changed little over the centuries. The links between the play patterns of un-modernised and developed societies have been shown to be very similar. For example ‘!Kung children in the Kalahari desert use an object, in their case the sheath of a banana leaf, to symbolise a baby and these mothering games are similar to those played by children in developed societies who play with dolls. [8] However, adults controlling childrens lives have imposed a series of changing theories as to how they should play. During the age of enlightenment when all sorts of theories were being examined Rousseau (1712-1778), the French philosopher, valued the importance of good experiences to mental development in children. When he heard of children forced to read and not play he wrote â€Å"those who would rob these little innocents of the joys that pass so quickly, he went on to say, ‘We must never forget all this should be play, the easy and voluntarily control of movement which nature demands of them, the art of varying their games to make them pleasanter without the least bit of constraint. To a child of 10 or 12 work or play are all one, with the proviso that the activity of play is ‘with the charm of freedom. [9] The case studies for this essay have been chosen following observations of natural play schemes during 2008 2009. The sites cover the fundamental aspects and current trends of natural play used by after school clubs, Play England, Natural England initiatives, and environmental learning projects. Play pathfinders and play builder explain Skelton Grange Skelton Grange Environment Centre, Leeds is located 5 km from Leeds City Centre (figs.). The site is a gentle sloping 8 Acre site with woodland, open meadows, lawns and riverside walks. The site is located in a large industrial area on the periphery of Leeds City Centre and is leased from the National Grid. The project is an innovative, award winning, environmental education project that aims to bring alive the issues surrounding sustainable development. [15]The project is hoped to help people develop an understanding and appreciation of the environment by educating its visitors on ways to safeguard our future. The scheme funded by BTCV (British Trust for Conservation Volunteers) aims to use the Eco Centre and surrounding landscape to support a wide range of activities working mainly with children, young people and adults on school trips, play schemes, community groups as well as teenage individuals. The site is used for education and training sessions, practical conservation, and BTVC volunteer development. BTCV staff at the centre work with young people and adults, schools, play schemes, community groups and individuals on developing an understanding appreciation of their environment, and their role in safeguarding its future. The children who visit annually are from inner city West Yorkshire primary schools. These children gain many valuable experiences of environmental play which can be absorbed and provide inspiration for similar forms of play at home or school. The most striking issue which was observed on the site was the willingness to the children o learn and play in a rugged natural environment as many of the inner city children have a very limited horizons when it comes to getting out of town. Broom House Farm ‘Adventure trail Broom House Farm ‘Adventure Trail is Located in the Durham countryside approximately 6 miles east of Durham City (figs.). The adventure trail is set on land belonging to a diverse ‘organic farm enterprise. The surrounding landscape has a significant impact on the adventure trail as it is visible from the trail and relates to educational material within the trail. The woodland where the adventure trail is located is predominantly coniferous however there are many mature broadleaved species in the woodland. Most of the coniferous woodland was established over 50 years ago when the land was set aside by the farming tenants after it was open cast for coal. The woodland is very diverse in flora and fauna. The trail is open to the public and has approximately 4,000 public visitors, 60 school parties per annum. These include visits through a recent Natural England initiative (name it) . There are also visitors from institutions for people with special needs. The wood offers a wi de range of natural based learning activities and many outlets for un-structured natural play. The site has been designed to enable a sense of discovery for visiting children, consequently giving a strong bond with the environment. The site is unique in the area and proves very successful with all users, the blend of natural play, education and playing within a woodland environment strongly complement each other. Visitors with special needs gain special interaction with nature when visiting. The bonding with nature is also highly significant for children visiting the site from deprived inner city areas of Newcastle, Gateshead, Sunderland and Durham. During my experience as education/safety officer at Broom House Farm (2008), I supervised and carried out educational activities with the children. This was an important experience for me as over a period of time I was able to observe the children using the natural play setting. During the summer of 2009 I designed and helped build new additions to the adventure trail including a 100m raised board walk and other play zones (figs.). Denmark Junk Playground The play site is located in Fredriksberg, a central district of Copenhagen, Denmark. The site consists of a large clearing in a Beech woodland. The perimeter has mature trees which overhang much of the site. Shrubs have been integrated next to structures built by the children . This unique ‘Junk Playground also caters as an after school club for the adjoining school. The site offers a safe environment for children to be supervised from a distance, allowing them to construct a variety of custom built play equipment from shelters to play structures. This resource is run by adults employed by the council and funding from parents, all staff have a degree in some form of child development or education. The facility is also open at weekends when it is supervised by parents. The site is a huge success and is very popular. The value of this resource to the local community is very high; children are left at the after school club everyday so they have to be very imaginative in the playspace to keep them occupied. The outcome of what the children design and build is usually well implemented. The community involvement of many parents also helps safeguard the success of the site on weekends. The site has an importance policy which allows children to construct play equipment, this is a good example of allowing risk in the play environment. It was interesting to observe the competence of children as they explained what they had built and the construction methods learnt. More importantly the children explained that everyone uses the tools in a responsible manner, consequently there are few injuries. ADD? Children are constantly encouraged to be creative within the education system. Depending on their age many have a drive to create constructions. Through natural play, natural materials can be used to create personal play equipment. This adds a further dimension to the benefits of natural play. When children construct anything they feel more confident of another intuitive childhood process. Within the Danish junk playground, children are issued with and allowed to bring their own construction tools such as hammers, nails, saws and other materials to construct play equipment from the abundance of materials provided. These materials include wood, block paving and other recycled materials. The quality of the constructions made is inspected by adults for strength and any other irregularities. Through this process errors can be corrected and the equipment passed as being safe. The individuals responsible for the construction then shows their play mates and they share their special creations with each other and revise there constructions and equipment with a greater knowledge of construction. The constructions are often nestled and integrated within site, composed of mature trees and shrubs. The success of the natural environment is the popularity of building these structures and games within the greener areas of the site. Fagan refer to sketch book for his opinions and feelings about the thriving site from a childs perspective? Skrammellegepladsen A scheme in place in Fredriksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark were by children build natural play environments adding a different dimension to natural play, combining out of school care and natural play recreation. The results of this scheme is of huge significance to my study and is very popular on the streets of Copenhagen. Parents pick children up from the centre up to as late as 5 o clock. The children are fed with healthy meals which they often cook themselves, children are then free to roam the site playing and constructing play spaces. The children are issued with hammers, nails, wood, hard landscaping materials. The teaching staff all have degrees orientated around primary and youth education. The centre accommodates for ages up to 15 Years of age. There is a strong drive within Play England Guidelines to accommodate teenagers, in particular girls within natural play schemes within Britain. The site in Fritsberg is adjacent to a large inner city school so the visiting children have a quick transition between the two spaces. This could be more common as schools both within the inner cities and rural areas have a wider perimeter to their site with scope to expand, typically a site composed of wasteland grasslands, gravel, mud and pockets of trees with huge potential for transformation to create natural play spaces to socialise and spend countless hours in order to develop. The possibility for making the most of school yard sites would be of double affect as playground play is one few occasions children get to play in a safe environment. If developed playgrounds were open to the community more and not as segregated. As much of the school site in un used within the school timetable with limited Sport, Outdoor play and education it would make sense to make more use of these spaces as natural play sites. One of the biggest bonuss to the scheme adjacent to the school in Fritsberg is the lack of Adult intervention. The children when playing are left outside to their o wn devices yet could seek help, if needed from staff who located themselves near to the building entrance. Newcastle play sites Location Distance from city etc / Add type of landscape, fields, water, woodland and surrounding area flat, hills etc? These play sites have been identified by the council to be improved, using funding from Play England. These playgrounds up graded from a play pathfinder to play builder, Some of these sites have been completed ADD Observations not mentioned in table. How children use it. What you thought was good about it. The activities carried out in these environments have many benefits enhancing childrens ability to recognise and appreciate the natural play environment. Sketches of the natural settings within these sites have been included. The natural qualities deployed create stimulating surroundings with opportunities for more imaginative play and wonder. Adults may view nature as a surrounding for the childs activities. However children seem to view a natural play space as a sensory experience and a place where they can interact within a fantastical environment. Children develop their imagination continually through everyday experiences, which is essential in the childs development as a well rounded individual within society. Why is natural play important today? Natural play environments offer a diversity of natural landscape experiences such as trees, vegetation, wildlife, plants, shaded areas, shelter, water, rivers and hiding spaces create a timeless naturalistic landscape. Children using natural play environments can become thoroughly engaged with nature. [16] The wide variations of the natural elements to play schemes can trigger unique spontaneity, for example playing with living creatures such as insects, building dens with natural materials or setting physical challenges within the environment such as climbing trees. [17] Children seem to have a natural affinity with nature and love for the natural outdoors but today opportunites for this can be limited. Natural England carried out a survey in 2009 which identified that less than 10% of children have the opportunity to play in woodland settings, the countryside or parks. The research also discovered that only 24% of children visit a natural environment once a week in comparison to 53 % of adults who did so in their childhood. [18] The benefits to children from playing in natural play environments A recent lecture by Paul Walker the Director of Timbercare (designers and builders of natural play landscapes, mainly manufacturing wooden play units) highlighted his personal opinions of many elements of natural play. He concluded his speech by saying that ironically the investment within the surrounding landscape of a play area was more valuable to children than a collection of individual equipment which the company specialises in providing. [19] Walker felt strongly about his childhood experiences of natural play, he told many stories of his freedom one of which was how by the age of 11 he had a 6 Mile radius to roam within central Sheffield. The complexity of his different play spaces were therefore hugely diverse including post industrial landscapes, derelict buildings, woodland areas, canals and streets. Walkers primary concern for his industry today is the necessity for low risk in play. Although safety standards now take a more balanced approach he felt they could go further. [20] He felt his childhood experiences of natural based play had a variety of different elements of danger and risk taking, making children of that era much more adventurous and evolving life skills in the changing environment around Sheffield. Another professional who believes that children should have similar opportunities to Paul Walker is an American journalist Richard Louv whose revolutionary phrase ‘Saving Our Children from Nature Deficit Disorder sums up the restrictions facing the majority of children in modernised society. The quote below illustrates trends in child play. ‘ONE EVENING WHEN (sic) my boys were younger, Mathew, then ten, looked at me from across a restaurant table and said quite seriously, â€Å"Dad, how come it was more fun when you were a kid?†. Within the space of a few decades, the way children understand and experience nature has changed radically. The polarity of the relationship had been reversed. Today, kids are aware of the global threats to the environment but their physical contact, their intimacy with nature, is fading. Thats the exact opposite of how it was when I was a child. [21] Louv feels that our affinity to nature is innate and in jeopardy across the modernised world. Quoting Sobel he discusses the changes which have occurred in the experience of obtaining food suggesting that food has become almost abstract now being a product in a supermarket which has little connection with the field or farm it came from. Children are now having to learn where food comes from through schemes such as Natural Englands ‘Learning Outside initiative.[22], [23] School trips to farms in England are limited as they take up considerable financial and staffing resources and often only occur once a year as seen at Broom House Adventure Trail. [24] Urban living can be an experience which is disconnected from nature and can create â€Å"ecophobia† a term which Sobel devised to explain a fear that nature can be physically dirty and dangerous. While working at Broom House Adventure Trail it was apparent from children and teachers that children were warned not to get dirty and were wearing expensive designer clothing. This made a barrier to the children fully experiencing natural play and it would be beneficial to the children if teachers made it clear to parents that there would be a strong possibility of clothes getting dirty and damaged. Some of the children also seemed initially hesitant and detached from the natural environment. [25] Benefits to Childrens Health from Natural Play Watching children using the play sites described in this study it is obvious they expend a great deal of energy and burn many calories. Not all children prefer sport and some do not like organised activities, but all children want to play. Natural play offers less structured opportunities for refining skills such as balance, endurance and confidence and provides a valuable solution for steering children away from childhood obesity. Many children are at risk from health problems caused by their life styles which include poor diet and lack of exercise. In 2009 it was reported that ‘25% of boys and 33% of girls between two and 19 are overweight. [26] It was noted in this survey that â€Å"parents are getting so used to seeing overweight kids, they do not recognise their own children are obese†. These problems cost the National Health over  £2 billion annually. County Durham is one of the worst areas in England for childhood obesity. [27] At Broom House Farm Adventure Trail it was noted that the obese children had less self confidence, were more negative in their approach to playing on the equipment and were teased by classmates. Benefits to Childrens Mental Health from Natural Play The BMJ group estimate that 2 children in every class of 30 schoolchildren will have ADHD. [28] There is a strong belief that children with behaviour and learning difficulties, such as ADHD, are thought to be deprived from the experience of natural play. [29] Louv reports that parents of children with these problems are being taken to natural play environments in order for them to experience situations which require intense concentration, the children are compelled to observe what is around them and become part of the environment rather than separate from it. [30] Children with special needs at Broom House Adventure Trail were seen to greatly enjoy the sensory experience of being close to vegetation, running around and watching others playing on equipment. The carers commented that the escapism of being in such a calming atmosphere was beneficial to their state of mind and they would appreciate access to such a facility more often. One respite care home arranged for their children to attend the adventure trail weekly in conjunction with their other activities. Benefits to Children from interaction with playmates Today many children in England lead less active lives as they are able to watch non-stop television or play indoors on computer games. This decreases the amount of interaction they have with parents, siblings and friends. Curry and Arnaud noted that ‘By the age of four and five children are extremely sensitive to each other and acutely tuned to what interests, pleases or provokes another child. [31] Decreased opportunities to interact through observation, collaboration and discussion during play can have a damaging effect on the confidence of a child and their ability to interact in play environments and in their future lives. Playing with others give children the chance to learn about equality and become integrated within wider cultures. During a consultation process at Kippax Ash Tree Primary School the children discussed their visit to Skelton Grange where they worked together making a shelter and a ‘pebble island to simulate an imaginary civilisation in the woodland. The idea of the project was to encourage the children to integrate through constructive play and say how they would survive on the island. The outcome was a number of sustainable solutions which they had learnt about during the course of the day. Opportunities to develop self reliance Natural play environments develop a childs independence and self sufficiency. When a child enters a natural play environments they can develop a distance from their carers or parents either individually or with other children exploring. This opportunity for play can be achieved in any outdoor space, however in a natural play environment it is enhanced by the magical natural surroundings. This process is important to children who live in confined conditions and are restricted from access to natural play by the location of their accommodation and poverty. White and Stoecklin state ‘While the development of greater independence from toddlerhood to middle childhood can happen within the confines of indoor spaces, safe space outdoors greatly adds to the ability of children to naturally experiment with independence and separation, and the adults willingness to trust the childs competence which is essential for separation to happen. [32] When children accompanied by parents played in the woodland at Broom House they were often heavily restricted by parents who would not allow them to explore the zoned play spaces alone. This was seen on many occasions and created a barrier to the full potential of the natural play experience for their children. It was interesting to note that although school children stayed within their small teaching groups and despite not being in the comfort of their friendship groups, they were sufficiently stimulated to play together. It was also interesting to observe that the children moved quickly from the natural based play equipment to evolve new imaginative games, making maximum use of the woodland. It was also observed that the paths were used as catalyst for exploring the site within a time limit. [33] Opportunities for exposure to nature Our interactions with nature can be hugely diverse depending upon the environment which a child lives in or is exposed to. The experience of different materials, changing seasons and making connections to nature are important components in natural play. [34] The provision of living material in natural play landscapes incorporates the underlying processes of nature and therefore gives a strong understanding of nature gained through physical interaction and watching seasonal changes in the landscape. ‘Plants and vegetation as a medium within play spaces develop interactive skills. Plants stimulate discovery, dramatic pretend play, and imagination. Plants speak to all of the senses, so its not surprising that children are closely attuned to environments with vegetation. Plants, in a pleasant environment with a mix of sun, shade, colour, texture, fragrance, and softness of enclosure also encourage a sense of peacefulness†[35]. When children experience nature, it can be in a v ariety of sensory experiences its value is precious and can be remembered for a long time. Children appreciate the natural layers of the earth no matter how small the play space. Moore recorded a conversation with girls about playing in sand ‘We make streams in the sand when it rains and comes down the hill the girls said. The got down on their hands and knees and embarked on a sequence of sand play. Within a few moments they had laid out a network of â€Å"roads† running around the humpy surface of the fine, hard-packed, sandy soil. Other infrastructure such as houses and an imaginary manor house was also built. [36] * Water play The outdoor environment provides a variety of contrasting surfaces with different textures and play qualities. Recent heavy snowfall in England (2009) triggered instinctive responses to an element which acted as a catalyst for all ages to enjoy excitement and freedom without hesitation or social barriers. Natural materials are used to enhance environmental play for deprived inner city schools of Leeds such as Skelton Grange Environmental Centre in Leeds (West Yorkshire). One of the many natural based activities completed by school visitors is to construct components of the imaginary settlement described above using, sand, soil, water, twigs and leaves. This exercise although educational connects the children with natural materials. Design Design of Natural play environments can produce a range of natural play experiences rather than a single type as per traditional equipped play area†¦ DISCUSS HOW How can a landscape architect in the UK create ‘natural play environments? The previous section outlined an understanding of what natural play is, case studies and the benefits of designing natural play areas. Play England have given landscape architects the opportunity to design natural play areas in many parts of England what considerations need to be taken into account when designing them? New Initiatives of Play England between the years 2006 2009 Play England began working for the childrens play programme in 2006 and 2007, with funding gained from ‘The Big Lottery fund. The recent Play England guidelines show the design principles of Play England. Play England has produced many documents summarising the commitments announced for the Play Strategy of England. The two most relevant one to this study include the ‘Play Strategy and ‘Design for Play. [37] ‘Weve recently moved over to assessing the tenders on play value much more and this has forced the quality standards up, with suppliers now trying to outdo each other for natural play as well as good design and sheer quantity of features †¦ we score each activity and feature for points and use this information to guide us in consideration of the tenders. In the end though it still comes down to us trying to decide which will offer the best play opportunities for the next 15 years or more. Play England have worked in tune with a range of professionals to ensure the best possible guidelines for Landscape Architects to work towards during implementation of the national Play Strategy in their work. Play England is supporting local authority Playbuilders and Play Pathfinders (focusing on 8-13 yrs olds). Their purpose is to deliver the governments  £235m investment in play and natural play in order to create innovative and adventurous play spaces across the UK. This level of investment has not been made before in England. The Play Pathfinder scheme is intended to provide free play opportunities for children and young people in the country over the next 10 years. The Government announced in April 2009 that the overall success of the schemes would be reviewed by children in their local areas. A conference is planned in March 2010 and will explore the future and momentum of the campaign after the last four years. Play England Guidelines Since 2006 Landscape Architects have been required by Play England to adopt design principles which take into consideration the summarised guidelines below for new and refurbished natural play schemes (please see appendix 1 for Play England Design Principles in full); [38] Enhancing the site. Site analysis work ensuring the spirit of the chosen site is enhanced, complementing attractive parts of the site and enhancing poorer environments. Using the best location. A balance in defining the exact location of the proposed park, between safety of the child user and seclusion. Enhancing natural features of the site as well as adding new features./Adding a variety of new soft landscape material and natural landscape features in urban and rural play sites. Providing opportunities for diverse play./This includes accommodating natural play for all age ranges including devising social spaces for parents and carers onsite. Provide the opportunity for children of all abilities and needs to mix./ There should be no barriers for people with special needs which may include carers or parents. Encourage community participation in the design process./ The design required has to work for the community and captivate preferences of the neighbours of the site. Ensure the play space can be used by all ages./ The play site must incorporate many aspects of risk for its users to develop an understanding of risk. Design to develop childrens experiences of taking r