Nilda Graciela Cosco

children and family environments, outdoor play, play and learning, environmental measures

Works (28)

Updated: April 4th, 2024 16:07

2022 journal article

Hands-on childcare garden intervention: A randomized controlled trial to assess effects on fruit and vegetable identification, liking, and consumption among children aged 3-5 years in North Carolina

FRONTIERS IN PSYCHOLOGY, 13.

By: N. Cosco n, N. Wells*, D. Zhang n, L. Goodell n, M. Monsur*, T. Xu*, R. Moore n

author keywords: childcare; gardening; garden intervention; randomized controlled trial; healthy eating; diet; preschool; children
TL;DR: Children who received the garden intervention showed a greater increase in accurate identification of both fruits and vegetables as well as consumption of both fruit and vegetables during the tasting sessions, and the effects on fruit consumption were greater than on vegetable consumption. (via Semantic Scholar)
Sources: Web Of Science, ORCID
Added: December 19, 2022

2021 report

Preschool Outdoor Play and Learning Environments: Best Practice Toolkit.

In N. G. Cosco (Ed.), Natural Learning Initiative (2nd ed.). https://naturalearning.org/preschool-outdoor-toolkit

By: R. Moore & N. Cosco

Ed(s): N. Cosco

Source: ORCID
Added: March 12, 2023

2021 journal article

Research Design, Protocol, and Participant Characteristics of COLEAFS: A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial of a Childcare Garden Intervention

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH, 18(24).

By: N. Cosco n, N. Wells*, M. Monsur*, L. Goodell n, D. Zhang n, T. Xu*, D. Hales*, R. Moore n

author keywords: children; childcare; gardening; randomized controlled trial; healthy eating; physical activity
MeSH headings : Child; Child Care; Child, Preschool; Fruit; Gardening; Gardens; Health Promotion; Humans; Research Design; Vegetables
TL;DR: By employing an RCT to examine the effect of a garden intervention on diet and physical activity among young children attending childcare centers within low-income communities, this study offers compelling research design and methods, addresses a critical gap in the empirical literature, and is a step toward evidence-based regulations to promote early childhood healthy habits. (via Semantic Scholar)
Sources: Web Of Science, ORCID
Added: January 18, 2022

2020 journal article

A national research agenda supporting green schoolyard development and equitable access to nature

ELEMENTA-SCIENCE OF THE ANTHROPOCENE, 8(1).

By: K. Stevenson n, R. Moore n, N. Cosco n, M. Floyd n, W. Sullivan*, L. Brink*, D. Gerstein*, C. Jordan*, J. Zaplatosch

author keywords: Green schoolyards; Education; Policy; Research agenda; Children & nature; Sustainable communities
Sources: Web Of Science, ORCID
Added: March 4, 2020

2020 journal article

A national research agenda supporting green schoolyard development and equitable access to nature

Elementa: Science of the Anthropocene, 8(1).

By: M. Stevenson, C. N, F. Mf, S. W & B. L

Source: ORCID
Added: November 28, 2020

2020 report

Gardening Activity Guide

In Natural Learning Initiative. https://naturalearning.org/gardening-activity-guide/

By: N. Cosco, B. Sledge, R. Moore & L. Bradley

Source: ORCID
Added: March 12, 2023

2020 chapter

Re-Naturing Urban Childhood: A Sustainable Development Strategy

In C. Gallis (Ed.), Forests and Public Health. https://www.cambridgescholars.com/product/978-1-5275-5029-2

By: R. Moore & N. Cosco

Ed(s): C. Gallis

Source: ORCID
Added: November 28, 2020

2019 encyclopedia entry

Creating Inclusive Naturalized Outdoor Play Environments

In R. E. Tremblay, M. Boivin, P. RDeV, M. eds. Brussoni, & topic (Eds.), Encyclopedia on Early Childhood Development. http://www.child-encyclopedia.com/outdoor-play/according-experts/creating-inclusive-naturalized-outdoor-play-environments

By: N. Cosco & R. Moore

Ed(s): R. Tremblay, M. Boivin, P. RDeV, M. Brussoni & topic

Source: ORCID
Added: November 28, 2020

2019 encyclopedia entry

Early Childhood Outdoor Play and Learning Spaces (ECOPALS):Achieving Design Quality

In R. E. Tremblay, M. Boivin, P. RDeV, M. eds. Brussoni, & topic (Eds.), Encyclopedia on Early Childhood Development. http://www.child-encyclopedia.com/outdoor-play/according-experts/early-childhood-outdoor-play-and-learning-spaces-ecopals-achieving

By: R. Moore & N. Cosco

Ed(s): R. Tremblay, M. Boivin, P. RDeV, M. Brussoni & topic

Source: ORCID
Added: November 28, 2020

2019 webpage

Impact of Naturalized Early Childhood Outdoor Learning Environments: Research Brief.

Cosco, N., & Moore, R. (2019, March). https://naturalearning.org/Research+Brief

By: N. Cosco & R. Moore

Source: ORCID
Added: November 28, 2020

2018 journal article

Outdoor Learning Environments as Active Food Systems: Effectiveness of the Preventing Obesity by Design Gardening Component

Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior, 50(7), S118–S119.

By: N. Cosco n, R. Moore n, M. Monsur n & L. Goodell n

UN Sustainable Development Goal Categories
2. Zero Hunger (OpenAlex)
Sources: Crossref, ORCID
Added: February 24, 2020

2016 journal article

Child-Friendly, Active, Healthy Neighborhoods: Physical Characteristics and Children's Time Outdoors

ENVIRONMENT AND BEHAVIOR, 48(5), 711–736.

By: M. Islam*, R. Moore n & N. Cosco n

Contributors: M. Islam*, R. Moore n & N. Cosco n

author keywords: children; outdoor activity; built environment; neighborhood design; physical characteristics; developing nation
UN Sustainable Development Goal Categories
11. Sustainable Cities and Communities (OpenAlex)
Sources: Web Of Science, ORCID
Added: August 6, 2018

2016 journal article

Increasing Physical Activity in Childcare Outdoor Learning Environments: The Effect of Setting Adjacency Relative to Other Built Environment and Social Factors

ENVIRONMENT AND BEHAVIOR, 48(4), 550–578.

By: W. Smith n, R. Moore n, N. Cosco n, J. Wesoloski n, T. Danninger n, D. Ward*, S. Trost*, N. Ries n

Contributors: W. Smith n, R. Moore n, N. Cosco n, J. Wesoloski n, T. Danninger n, D. Ward*, S. Trost*, N. Ries n

author keywords: physical activity; built environment; childcare centers; outdoor learning environment design
UN Sustainable Development Goal Categories
Sources: ORCID, Web Of Science
Added: August 6, 2018

2015 journal article

Social and Environmental Factors Related to Boys’ and Girls’ Park-Based Physical Activity

Preventing Chronic Disease, 12(E97).

By: J. Bocarro*, M. Floyd*, W. Smith*, M. Edwards*, C. Schultz*, P. Baran*, R. Moore, N. Cosco*, L. Suau

Contributors: J. Bocarro*, M. Floyd*, W. Smith*, M. Edwards*, C. Schultz*, P. Baran*, R. Moore, N. Cosco*, L. Suau

MeSH headings : Adolescent; Age Factors; Catchment Area, Health; Child; Child, Preschool; Energy Metabolism; Environment Design; Ethnicity / statistics & numerical data; Female; Health Promotion / methods; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Logistic Models; Male; Motor Activity / physiology; North Carolina; Parent-Child Relations; Play and Playthings; Public Facilities / statistics & numerical data; Recreation; Sedentary Behavior / ethnology; Sex Factors; Social Environment; Walking / physiology
TL;DR: Activity area and social correlates of park-based physical activity were similar for boys and girls; findings for formal park programming, age, and number of facilities were mixed. (via Semantic Scholar)
Sources: Web Of Science, ORCID, Crossref
Added: August 6, 2018

2015 chapter

The Health-Promoting Potential of Preschool Outdoor Environments: Linking Research to Policy

In G. & L. Morhayim (Eds.), Revisiting “Social Factors”: Advancing Research Into People and Place. Newcastle upon Tyne, UK: Cambridge Scholars Publishing.

By: C. Boldemann

Ed(s): G. & L. Morhayim

Source: ORCID
Added: November 28, 2020

2014 journal article

Childcare Outdoor Renovation as a Built Environment Health Promotion Strategy: Evaluating the Preventing Obesity by Design Intervention

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF HEALTH PROMOTION, 28(3), S27–S32.

By: N. Cosco*, R. Moore* & W. Smith*

Contributors: N. Cosco*, R. Moore* & W. Smith*

author keywords: Preschool; Playground; Physical Activity; Behavior Mapping; Built Environment; Prevention Research
MeSH headings : Child Behavior; Child Day Care Centers; Child, Preschool; Environment Design; Faculty; Health Promotion / methods; Humans; Inservice Training / methods; Motor Activity / physiology; North Carolina / epidemiology; Pediatric Obesity / epidemiology; Pediatric Obesity / prevention & control; Play and Playthings; Social Behavior; Teaching / methods
TL;DR: Bearing in mind that preschool health promotion and support change in childcare policy is a key to success for preschool health Promotion, renovation of childcare center outdoors, including looped pathways installation, coupled with teacher training, may support increased PA. (via Semantic Scholar)
UN Sustainable Development Goal Categories
Sources: Web Of Science, ORCID
Added: August 6, 2018

2014 journal article

Park Use Among Youth and Adults: Examination of Individual, Social, and Urban Form Factors

Environment & Behavior, 46(6), 768–800.

By: P. Baran n, W. Smith n, R. Moore n, M. Floyd n, J. Bocarro n, N. Cosco n, T. Danninger n

Contributors: P. Baran n, W. Smith n, R. Moore n, M. Floyd n, J. Bocarro n, N. Cosco n, T. Danninger n

author keywords: neighborhood park use; crime; urban form; street connectivity; pedestrian infrastructure
UN Sustainable Development Goal Categories
Sources: Web Of Science, ORCID
Added: August 6, 2018

2014 report

The Outdoor Learning Environment Toolkit

In E. (Ed.), Natural Learning Initiative. Natural Learning Initiative, North Carolina State University.

By: R. Moore & N. Cosco

Ed(s): Eds)

Source: ORCID
Added: November 28, 2020

2012 journal article

Accelerometer Measured Level of Physical Activity Indoors and Outdoors During Preschool Time in Sweden and the United States

JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY & HEALTH, 9(6), 801–808.

By: A. Raustorp*, P. Pagels, C. Boldemann, N. Cosco*, M. Soderstrom* & F. Martensson

Contributors: A. Raustorp*, P. Pagels, C. Boldemann, N. Cosco*, M. Söderström* & F. Mårtensson

author keywords: accelerometry; country comparison; physical activity level; preschool children
MeSH headings : Accelerometry / statistics & numerical data; Body Mass Index; Body Weights and Measures; Child, Preschool; Cross-Cultural Comparison; Exercise; Female; Humans; Male; North Carolina / epidemiology; Sex Factors; Sweden / epidemiology; Time Factors; United States / epidemiology
TL;DR: Compared preschoolers' PA in Swedish and in US settings and objectively examined differences boys' and girls' indoor and outdoor PA regarding different intensity levels and sedentary behavior found physical activity counts/minutes was significantly higher outdoors vs. indoors in both Malmö and Raleigh. (via Semantic Scholar)
UN Sustainable Development Goal Categories
Sources: Web Of Science, ORCID
Added: August 6, 2018

2012 journal article

Adults’ motivation for bringing their children to park playgrounds

Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, 11(4), 396–405.

By: A. Refshauge*, U. Stigsdotter* & N. Cosco n

Contributors: A. Refshauge*, U. Stigsdotter* & N. Cosco n

author keywords: Denmark; Playground design; Playground location; Public urban green space; Socialising in playgrounds; USA
UN Sustainable Development Goal Categories
11. Sustainable Cities and Communities (Web of Science; OpenAlex)
Sources: Crossref, ORCID
Added: August 28, 2020

2011 journal article

Park-Based Physical Activity Among Children and Adolescents

American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 41(3), 258–265.

By: M. Floyd n, J. Bocarro n, W. Smith n, P. Baran n, R. Moore n, N. Cosco n, M. Edwards*, L. Suau*, K. Fang n

Contributors: M. Floyd n, J. Bocarro n, W. Smith n, P. Baran n, R. Moore n, N. Cosco n, M. Edwards*, L. Suau*, K. Fang n

MeSH headings : Adolescent; Child; Child, Preschool; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Humans; Infant; Male; Motor Activity; Public Facilities / statistics & numerical data; Recreation; Regression Analysis; Residence Characteristics / statistics & numerical data; Sex Factors
TL;DR: These social factors and design features should be considered in order to stimulate higher levels of park-based physical activity among children and adolescents. (via Semantic Scholar)
UN Sustainable Development Goal Categories
Sources: Web Of Science, ORCID, Crossref
Added: August 6, 2018

2011 article

Preschool outdoor play environment may combine promotion of children's physical activity and sun protection. Further evidence from Southern Sweden and North Carolina

Boldemann, C., Dal, H., Martensson, F., Cosco, N., Moore, R., Bieber, B., … Soderstrom, M. (2011, April). SCIENCE & SPORTS, Vol. 26, pp. 72–82.

By: C. Boldemann, H. Dal, F. Martensson, N. Cosco*, R. Moore, B. Bieber, M. Blennow, P. Pagels ...

Contributors: C. Boldemann, H. Dal, F. Mårtensson, N. Cosco*, R. Moore, B. Bieber, M. Blennow, P. Pagels ...

author keywords: Physical activity; Sun exposure; Outdoor environment; Preschool children
UN Sustainable Development Goal Categories
Sources: Web Of Science, ORCID
Added: August 6, 2018

2010 journal article

Behavior Mapping: A Method for Linking Preschool Physical Activity and Outdoor Design

MEDICINE AND SCIENCE IN SPORTS AND EXERCISE, 42(3), 513–519.

By: N. Cosco n, R. Moore n & M. Islam*

Contributors: N. Cosco n, R. Moore n & M. Islam*

author keywords: CHILDCARE; OUTDOORS; PREVENTION; BUILT ENVIRONMENT; BEHAVIOR CODING
MeSH headings : Child Behavior; Child Day Care Centers; Child, Preschool; Data Collection / standards; Environment Design; Exercise; Humans; North Carolina; Play and Playthings
TL;DR: Behavior mapping provides a promising method for objectively measuring relationships between physical behavior settings and directly associated activity levels and its sensitivity to gathering physical activity and associated environmental data is demonstrated to affect built environment design policy. (via Semantic Scholar)
UN Sustainable Development Goal Categories
Sources: Web Of Science, ORCID
Added: August 6, 2018

2010 chapter

Using behaviour mapping to investigate healthy outdoor environments for children and families: Conceptual framework, procedures and applications

In Innovative Approaches to Researching Landscape and Health: Open Space: People Space 2 (pp. 33–73).

By: R. Moore & N. Cosco

Contributors: R. Moore & N. Cosco

Source: ORCID
Added: November 28, 2020

2009 journal article

Adaptation of the System for Observing Physical Activity and Recreation in Communities (SOPARC) to Assess Age Groupings of Children

JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY & HEALTH, 6(6), 699–707.

By: J. Bocarro*, M. Floyd*, R. Moore*, P. Baran, T. Danninger, W. Smith*, N. Cosco*

Contributors: J. Bocarro*, M. Floyd*, R. Moore*, P. Baran, T. Danninger, W. Smith*, N. Cosco*

author keywords: direct observation; children; measurement; reliability; parks
MeSH headings : Adolescent; Adolescent Development; Age Factors; Child; Child Development; Child, Preschool; Female; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Male; Motor Activity; Observation; Play and Playthings; Public Facilities; Recreation
TL;DR: The reliability of measuring PA among children by segmenting children by 3 age groups was established and this approach is recommended for future studies ofPA among children in parks and other outdoor environments. (via Semantic Scholar)
UN Sustainable Development Goal Categories
Sources: Web Of Science, ORCID
Added: August 6, 2018

2009 journal article

Sensory Integration and Contact with Nature: Designing Outdoor Inclusive Environments

North American Montessori Teachers Association. NAMTA Journal. https://shop.montessori-namta.org/products/sensory-integration-and-contact-with-nature-designing-outdoor-inclusive-environments-21896

Nilda Cosco

Source: ORCID
Added: November 28, 2020

2007 chapter

What makes a park inclusive and universally designed?: A multi-method approach

In Open Space: People Space (pp. 85–110).

By: R. Moore & N. Cosco

Contributors: R. Moore & N. Cosco

TL;DR: The Nature of Exclusion and Measuring the quality of the outdoor environment relevant to older people's lives, and Three Steps to Understanding Restorative Environments as Health Resources are described. (via Semantic Scholar)
UN Sustainable Development Goal Categories
10. Reduced Inequalities (OpenAlex)
Source: ORCID
Added: November 28, 2020

2002 journal article

Paying attention to the outdoor environment is as important as preparing the indoor environment

Young Children, 57(3), 32-X. http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-0042306241&partnerID=MN8TOARS

By: K. Debord, L. Hestenes, R. Moore, N. Cosco & J. McGinnis

Contributors: K. Debord, L. Hestenes, R. Moore, N. Cosco & J. McGinnis

Sources: NC State University Libraries, ORCID
Added: August 6, 2018

Employment

Updated: May 11th, 2023 17:14

2012 - present

Natural Learning Initiative, College of Design, NC State University Raleigh, North Carolina, US
Director of Programs Natural Learning Initiative

2006 - present

NC State University College of Design Raleigh, NC, US
Research Associate Professor Department of Landscape Architecture

2000 - present

North Carolina State University Raleigh, North Carolina, US
Co-Founder Natural Learning Initiative

2000 - 2012

Natural Learning Initiative, College of Design, NC State University Raleigh, North Carolina, US
Education Specialist College of Design

Funding History

Funding history based on the linked ORCID record. Updated: September 23rd, 2023 14:25

contract September 1, 2023 - September 1, 2025
Relaunching & Extending a Supportive Network for Naturalized Outdoor Play and Learning Environments for North Carolina Child Care Facilities
NC Department of Health and Human Services
grant June 1, 2017 - May 31, 2022
Childcare Outdoors as Active Food System: Effectiveness of POD Gardening Component
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
grant January 1, 2011 - January 1, 2013
Preventing Obesity by Design POD 4
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation
award January 1, 2011 - January 1, 2014
Shape NC 1
Blue Cross and Blue shield of North Carolina Foundation / NC Partnership for Children
grant January 1, 2008 - January 1, 2011
Preventing Obesity by Design POD 2
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation
award January 1, 2007 - January 1, 2008
Preventing Obesity by Design 1
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation
grant January 1, 2005 - January 1, 2008
Measuring Physical Activity Affordances In Preschool Play Environments
National Institutes of Health
grant May 1, 2004 - May 31, 2006
Investigating the association between different types of play areas in child-care centers and physical activity of children ages three to five
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
grant January 1, 2002 - January 1, 2005
My Place by the Bay
National Science Foundation
grant
Preventing Obesity by Design POD 3
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation

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