WHA T TO TEACH IN NA II RE-STUDY 



*5 



The following principles >re suggested as a guide in planning a 

 course in nature-study: (i) A vital human relation should be found 

 in all the work undertaken. (2) The course should contain within 

 itself a rich content that is worth studying. (3) There should exist 

 an intimate relation among the parts, holding the same together in 

 such a manner that the work covered from year to year will be pro- 

 gressive and united. 



If it does not bear an intimate human relation the element of inter- 

 est will be lacking and the child will fail to see, to experience in the 

 fullest measure, that which is presented. If nature-study does not 

 contain a rich content within itself as a study, it will surely fall into 

 disrepute as has been the case with every study where content has 

 been lacking. If a relation which tends to unify the work does not 

 exist, at least in a broad way, then the outcome must be necessarily 

 more or less scattered and aimless. 



If space permitted, it would be well to take a number of topics, 

 such as are taught in nature-study, and apply the above principles to 

 them to determine whether or not they should be retained or rejected 

 in making up a course for nature-study. Instead of doing this a sin- 

 gle topic will be discussed to illustrate what may be done in testing 

 others to determine their relative value. The " Strawberry " will be 

 discussed. 



Let us first consider the value of this topic from a human stand- 

 point. The strawberry is our earliest fruit, coming at a time to fill a 

 decided human need. It is cultivated in all sections of the country. 

 The fruit is easily preserved, thus making it possible to use it at all 

 times of the year. It is considered to be one of our best flavored 

 and most healthful of fruits. Enough strawberries may be raised on 

 a small patch to supply a family— the writer picked 11S quarts from a 

 patch 25 feet square during the past season. Many people make 

 much of their living by raising and maiketing strawberries. There 

 are but few people who do not like strawberries. Many people make 

 a business of supplying strawberry plants to those who wish to set out 

 beds. Boys and girls may be led to set out strawberry beds at home 

 through the work done at school on the " Strawberry." 



In the second place there is much rich content centering around 

 the strawberry and its cultivation. This becomes clear if its study is 

 centered about an aim as : What do you need to know to make a suc- 

 cess of raising and handling strawberries? Such topics as the follow- 

 ing will be discussed under this aim : What varieties do best in the 



