This booklet is a compilation of field-tested outdoor activities introducing basic projects for small group or individualized study in monitoring certain aspects of the environment. Its purpose is to provide teachers with new ways to involve children directly in meaningful and developmental learning activities and to help students become more sensitive and understanding of the quantitative aspects of their environment. An interdisciplinary approach is utilized with lesson plans allowing for a wide variety of student abilities and grade level use. Projects include: measuring horizontal and vertical distances; slope measurements; using a hypsometer, clinometer and secchi disk; estimating board lumber; moving water; soil compaction and water absorption; wind speed; and construction and use of a sundial. For each project or lesson background information is provided in addition to objectives, concepts, vocabulary, materials needed, instructional procedure and activities, and ideas for further investigation. (BL)