VCE Outdoor & Environmental Studies Resources

Unit One: Motivations for outdoor experience
Area of Study One: Understanding outdoor experiences

The use and meanings of the terms ‘nature’ and ‘natural environment’

1. Meanings of the word nature

Consider the following definitions of nature & match that definition with the most appropriate sentence.

Nature /náycher/ n.
physical world	It is in the nature of machinery to fail when you most need it.
forces controlling physical world (i.e mother nature)	We haven’t yet learned that we can never beat nature.
countryside/outside city limits	Humans have been trying to understand nature since time immemorial.
essential character of person or thing	It is in his/her nature to continually make childish remarks.
temperament	Their plan is to produce their own food & get back to nature.
uncomplicated lifestyle	Ah, smell those flowers - aint nature grand?!

2. Meanings of the word natural

Consider the following definitions of natural. Give your own example of each definition in the form of a sentence containing the word natural. (One example is provided.)

- attractive eg. His/her hair looks so natural.
- unaffected
- not artificial
- acceptable
- irresistible
- of the physical world

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3. Exploiting the words nature & natural

The words nature & natural are used to promote various products (some of which seem to have little to do with nature). One example is cereal "full of natural goodness." See if you can give 5 other examples.

4. The natural environment versus ...?

What is the opposite of the natural environment? What is the difference between natural objects and synthetic/artificial/man-made objects? How natural are nature strips? Are humans a part of nature, or are we outside nature?

5. The nature of nature

Is nature all-powerful? Can we control nature? Can we influence it? Is nature a force for good or evil?

6. A natural place

Describe your favourite natural place. Why is it so special? How do you feel when you are there?

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