nature studies
Learning about ecosystems
Nature studies is an educational approach, especially for children, that emphasizes direct observation and appreciation of the natural world—plants, animals, insects, weather, and ecosystems.
Popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it encouraged hands-on exploration over textbook learning.
The class went outside for nature studies, sketching leaves and identifying birds.
The term now sounds somewhat old-fashioned, largely replaced by environmental science or outdoor education.
- fieldworkResearch conducted on location
- outdoor explorationInvestigating the natural world
- ecosystemInterconnected organisms and surroundings
- faunaAnimal life collectively
- citizen scienceNonprofessionals contributing to studies
dichotomous key · biodiversity · flora · leaf pressing · pressed flowers · tree bark · conservation biology · sustainability · phenology · transect · endangered species · reforestation · wildlife protection · stewardship · outdoor learning · hands-on activities · pond dipping · birdwatching
- art worldartist, painter, painting, paintings, sculpture
- eco kidsEarth Day, recycling, tree planting, outdoor learning, green schools
- watercolor collectionslandscapes, seascapes, florals, portraits, botanical art
- sketchessketch, pencil drawings, charcoal sketches, quick sketch, ink sketches
- Canadian ArtCanadian landscapes, indigenous art, landscape painting, Canadian wilderness
- landscape artlandscape painting, scenic views, riverscapes, waterscapes, coastal scenes
nature studieslab work
Scientific testing and analysis
controlled experiments · clinical studies · computer modeling · clinical research
nature studiesindustrial arts
Applied manufacturing education
engineering · computer science · architecture · media studies · urban planning
nature studiesindustrial development
Growth of manufacturing activity
technological progress · resource extraction · anthropocentrism · urban development