This handbook is the second publication of a two-part project. The original Environmental Curiosity Sampler, which appeared in early 1975, was written to use with environmental study areas in the six northeastern Illinois counties. The general information in the Sampler has been revised and expanded and chapters have been added to make this Sampler for use with environmental study areas in the rest of Illinois and even in other areas. Whether you are a parent, teacher, youth group leader, or simply an individual who welcomes new ideas, the authors hope there is something in this Sampler to interest you. They believe that people are naturally curious about the world around them and want to make sense out of it and that people learn best when feelings are involved as well as intellect have strongly affected the contents of this book. It was assumed that elementary teachers would be the main users of the original Sampler, but many activities were included that could be used by individuals or families and by people of all ages. 'Environment' as used here, is what is immediately around you as well as areas farther away. It begins where you are--which may be a different point for each individual--and expands to an ever larger area. So the Sampler starts with how to observe your immediate surroundings and then includes information on the wide variety of environments found all around Illinois.