A nature journal is the perfect companion for a hike in the woods, a day on the beach, or nature-watching through your bedroom window. For ages 8 to 18 and beyond. The Essential Nature Journal starts you on a life-long journey of discovery. Become an amateur naturalist by learning how to describe a habitat, the most important things to note in every observation, and how anyone can contribute to science. This step-by-step guide is simple but serious, starting the nature-loving child on a life-long journey of discovery. Here is a simple explanation of hypothesis-testing in How Science Works. The budding naturalist is encouraged to find mentors who share their passion, and to prove for themselves that anyone can make useful contributions to knowledge. Written and illustrated by Aleta Karstad with the guidance and inspiration of her biologist husband Fred Schueler from their life-long passion for nature documentation and love of teaching.