Fairbanks] GEOGRAPHY AND NATURE-STUDY 183 



not visited, and must continue to form a constant source of in- 

 spiration for such study, as long as it lasts. 



The attempt at memorizing the disconnected facts of geog- 

 raphy has generally proved a failure. To avoid this waste of 

 energy these facts must not only be presented in their causal 

 relations, but also in such a manner as to arouse the attention 

 and interest. History, stories of adventure and discovery, current 

 events, and a familiarity with the natural phenomena of the home 

 region all aid in vitalizing the facts of geography. 



Geography and History 



The intimate relation existing between geography and history 

 is clearly recognized and a close correlation has been worked out 

 in the courses of study of a number of the leading cities of the 

 United States. Because of this fact a discussion of the nature 

 and scope of geography appears to necessitate some consideration 

 of history also. 



The legends and myths suitable to the lower grades do not 

 appeal to any particular time or place, but the stories of primitive 

 man carry the children back in imagination to conditions which 

 they love to reproduce in their work and play. 



Stories of discovery and of the hardships and adventures ex- 

 perienced by the pioneer settlers of the home region fit in ad- 

 mirably with nature-study and the beginnings of geography. 



In the grammar grades there is no good reason why history 

 and geography should not be carried out in parallel courses, each 

 adding interest and enlightenment to the other. The grouping 

 of topics from both subjects about certain central themes gives 

 the mind a better opportunity to grasp and retain them. 



The study of the history and geography of a region taken up 

 side by side makes it clear that these two subjects are closely in- 

 terwoven and that the former in particular cannot be fully un- 

 derstood without a knowledge of its geographic conditions. 



OUTLINE OF A COURSE OF STUDY IN NATURE-STUDY, GEOGRAPHY AND 

 HISTORY FOR THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 



Notes on the Outline of Study 



It is hoped that the underlying principles involved in the following 

 course of study will be found in some degree to answer a natural want. 

 It should be recognized, however, that the course is an outline merely, and 



