Includes bibliographical references.

Introduction: Why nature study? -- Ten tips for getting started on nature study -- Moments of science -- A year at the stream--autumn -- A year at the stream--winter -- A year at the stream--spring -- Literacy through nature study--reading -- Literacy through nature study--writing -- Creating stewards of the natural world --Appendix A: Second-grade narratives -- Appendix B: Second-grade poems -- Appendix C: Recommended websites.

Laurie invites you to join her class of twenty-one second graders as they visit a small stream in the woods behind a suburban elementary school, and she shares her reflections on class discussions, activities, and learning experiences. From setting a tone of inquiry-based thinking in the classroom to suggesting specific units of study for reading, writing, and science, Laurie guides teachers step-by-step through the basics of how to integrate the skills acquired through nature study into every subject. You will also discover all the ways this purposeful work nurtures "green" citizens who grow up determined to value and protect the natural environment.