Table of Contents

Introduction. Part I. Science, Nature, and Inquiry: Theoretical and Practical Foundations 1. Science, Nature, and Inquiry-Based Learning in Early Childhood [Stephenie Sisk-Hilton] 2. Nature Education and the Power of Inquiry, Documentation, and Reflection [Daniel Meier] Part II. Setting as Teacher 3. Babies and Nature: The Act of Noticing in Infancy [Camille T. Dungy] 4. Overcoming Our Fears – Embarking on a Nature Journey [Gita Jayewardene] 5. Naturally Speaking: Children and Teachers in Dialogue with Nature [Darcy Campbell, Kelsey Henning, and Shawna Thompson] 6. Discovering the Brilliance and Beauty in Black [Patricia Sullivan] Part III. Nature as Support for Representation and Aesthetics 7. Children Explore the Forest: The Power of Wild Spaces in Childhood [Anna Golden] 8. Putting the Forest on the Map: Using Documentation to Further Natural Inquiry [Marty Gravett] 9. Nature Education and the Project Approach [Jean A. Mendoza and Lilian G. Katz] 10. Nature-Based Education to Support Language Development and Inquiry with Preschool Dual Language Learners[Isuaro Michael Escamilla, Sahara Gonzalez-Garcia, and Alicia Alvarez] Part IV. Child Agency in Nature Education 11. Promoting Nature Study for Toddlers [Mabel Young] 12. From Fear to Freedom – Risk and Learning in a Forest School [Heather B. Taylor] 13. Studying Nature [Jana Walsh]

About the Author

Daniel R. Meier is Professor of Elementary Education at San Francisco State University, USA.

Stephanie Sisk-Hilton is Professor of Elementary Education at San Francisco State University, USA.