Nature Study, the informal study of plants and animals, usually in their natural surroundings, and of other natural objects and events. Nature study is a kind of scientific investigation that takes place in the field rather than in the laboratory. At one time nature study was a course or subject in elementary and high schools. It has been replaced in elementary school by a course of study called science, and in high school by such subjects as biology (or botany and zoology) and chemistry.
Although this article is primarily for younger readers, it should be noted that adults as well as children are often interested in nature study. Bird watching, for example, is a popular hobby of adults. Many persons make collections of butterflies, wildflowers, rocks, shells, or fossils. Others photograph natural objects, or make sketches of them.
Some of the most important scientific discoveries have been made by naturalists, persons who study nature in the field, often as a hobby. Charles Darwin (1809–1882), the British naturalist whose theory of evolution is considered one of the greatest contributions to science, began his work as an amateur observer. John James Audubon (1785?–1851) contributed much to the knowledge of American wildlife with his accurate, artistic paintings of birds and mammals in their natural settings. Amateur students of nature have been influential in conservation of wildlife and other resources, and of scenic beauties.
Many things have been learned by observing and studying nature. For example, from observing the moon and studying how it orbits the earth, scientists got the idea for making artificial satellites and putting them in orbit.
Most people enjoy nature and are curious about it. They find beauty in flowers, trees, and landscapes, and like to watch the activities of animals. They usually want to find out all they can about these things. They want to know what certain animals eat, how birds build their nests, which flowers grow in forests and which in meadows, and why clouds take the forms they do.
