An Introduction to Nature-study

"An Introduction to Nature-study" by E. (Ernest) Stenhouse is an early 20th-century educational manual designed to help students and teachers explore the natural world. The book champions hands-on learning through observing common plants and animals, highlighting a movement away from traditional memorization towards developing strong observational skills in biology and natural science. The book's initial chapter lays out its goals, structure, and the idea that nature study should be an engaging, accessible experience for all students, irrespective of their knowledge levels. Readers gain practical techniques for conducting experiments and observations, are exposed to the reasoning behind selecting specific organisms for study, and are encouraged to create detailed drawings and observations as they investigate the development and structure of different seeds, nurturing a deeper respect for plant life.