NATURE VCE Outdoor Environmental Studies Unit 1 Martin

What is Nature? § § § § Nature strip The bush Local Gardens Backyard

How is the term ‘Nature’ or ‘Natural’ used § § § § Natural environment.

Five Conceptions of Nature According to: D. W. Chambers (1984) Imagining Nature Updated 17/2/2012

Nature as the infinite unknowable universe § Nature is the entire universe of which

Nature as the Material World § Nature includes the total of all things, such

Nature as Wilderness § This is the most common concept. § This view of

Nature as the Natural Order § This view focuses on the laws, physical forces,

Nature as Essence § This view refers to the essential quality and character of

Discussion § Our understanding and perceptions of nature are learnt from experiences we have

Way of thinking § Rationalist is based on dualisms which separate the world into

Way of Thinking § The Rationalist view acknowledges the methods and processes of science,

Food for thought § Nature as the Goddess. l l Mother Nature Earth Mother

Activity Carefully observe the pictures on the next page Updated 17/2/2012 by Martin Eriksson

1 2 32 4 Updated 17/2/2012 by Martin Eriksson

TASK § You are to choose the photo that you think best describes “NATURE”

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NATURE VCE Outdoor & Environmental Studies Unit 1 Martin Eriksson & Mat Hyland Updated 17/2/2012 by Martin Eriksson Access – Curric Drive – Administration – Curriculum – VCE – Unit 1

What is Nature? § § § § Nature strip The bush Local Gardens Backyard at home A tree The school ground Local River Bogong High Plains Updated 17/2/2012 by Martin Eriksson

How is the term ‘Nature’ or ‘Natural’ used § § § § Natural environment. Shampoo with natural ingredients Wool a natural fibre Nature park/reserve Good natured person Second nature Human nature Natural flora and fauna Updated 17/2/2012 by Martin Eriksson

Five Conceptions of Nature According to: D. W. Chambers (1984) Imagining Nature Updated 17/2/2012 by Martin Eriksson

Nature as the infinite unknowable universe § Nature is the entire universe of which our world is a minute and insignificant part, from which the whole can never be understood. § For example, we often consider life elsewhere on other planets. We may never know. § If you put a wall around everything, what would be on the other side of the wall. Updated 17/2/2012 by Martin Eriksson

Nature as the Material World § Nature includes the total of all things, such as: l l l all non-living objects (eg. rocks) all life forms (plants, animals) human and all their works (car, book, buidings) § People who like to own many things may be considered materialistic Updated 17/2/2012 by Martin Eriksson

Nature as Wilderness § This is the most common concept. § This view of nature encompasses the three kingdoms, - animal, mineral, vegetable and also includes natural forces and processes (abiotic) such as climate, weather and biogeochemical cycles. Examples include: l l Forests and oceans; Wilderness as opposed to civilisation; Pure air as opposed to polluted air; God given as opposed to human-made Updated 17/2/2012 by Martin Eriksson

Nature as the Natural Order § This view focuses on the laws, physical forces, and chemical and biological processes that bind the natural world. § This view is similar to the idea of science and is often measured in some way. § Eg. What goes up must come down. Gravity can be measured at 9. 8 m/s in acceleration. Updated 17/2/2012 by Martin Eriksson

Nature as Essence § This view refers to the essential quality and character of something. Examples include: l l She has a gentle nature It is second nature The nature of a chair is that it has four legs Human nature Updated 17/2/2012 by Martin Eriksson

Discussion § Our understanding and perceptions of nature are learnt from experiences we have grown up with. § The definition of nature may change over time according to cultural values. Eg. Pioneers view of nature compared with modern day views. § The Australian view of nature is shaped by the values and ideas of Western Society. Bible, European history. Updated 17/2/2012 by Martin Eriksson

Way of thinking § Rationalist is based on dualisms which separate the world into opposites such as; l l Human / Nature Man / Woman Mind / Body Love / Hate § This way of thinking establishes one part that is valued and the other that is 17/2/2012 by Martin considered less. Updated important. Eriksson

Way of Thinking § The Rationalist view acknowledges the methods and processes of science, technology and economics, which help to determine what we believe is the difference between right and wrong. § Therefore contributing to the view that humans are separate from and superior to nature. Updated 17/2/2012 by Martin Eriksson

Food for thought § Nature as the Goddess. l l Mother Nature Earth Mother § Nature as a primitive condition before human society l Wilderness was viewed as wild, dangerous & threatening place Updated 17/2/2012 by Martin Eriksson

Activity Carefully observe the pictures on the next page Updated 17/2/2012 by Martin Eriksson

1 2 32 4 Updated 17/2/2012 by Martin Eriksson

TASK § You are to choose the photo that you think best describes “NATURE” § Once you have chosen, move to that corner of the room. § In each corner with all the other people you are to discuss the following; l l l Why did you think this photo best describes “NATURE” How would D. W. Chambers describe this photo? I. E. Which of the five conceptions does it belong to? Why didn’t your group pick any of the other photos? § Each group is to present their findings. Updated 17/2/2012 by Martin Eriksson