Principles Underlying the Organization of a Course in 



Nature-Study 



Gilbert H. Trafton. 

 State Normal School, Mankato, Minn. 



In a recent book by a well-known educational writer is found 

 the statement that the leaders in nature-study do not agree as to 

 what should be taught and as regards the principles to be used in 

 the selection of material. Some such statement as this is some- 

 times given as a reason why nature-study is not introduced into 

 schools. If this is true it is exceedingly unfortunate, but is it 

 true? Is there as much disagreement as this statement implies? 

 The writer believes not. There are certain principles which must 

 underlie all teaching and these principles must apply to nature- 

 study. And there are further certain special principles which 

 must underlie all nature-study teaching, whether in Maine or in 

 California. The particular topics taught must vary according 

 to the locality, but the underlying principles must be the 

 same. 



To what extent do those interested in nature-study teaching 

 agree on these fundamental underlying principles? In a recent 

 issue of the Nature-Study Review, Prof. M. A. Bigelow out- 

 lines "Some Fundamental Propositions for Nature-Study" which 

 are generally accepted by workers in this field. The writer finds 

 himself in agreement with practically every proposition stated. 



One particular phase of the nature-study situation which needs 

 special consideration at this time is the organization of the course 

 of study. In times past there have been those who advised that 

 there should be no organized course, but that there should be a 

 miscellaneous, unrelated, haphazard study of any materials that 

 might happen to be available. The fallacy of such a position is 

 so self-evident that it is not necessary to discuss it here. But the 

 writer would like to raise the question: Are there certain prin- 

 ciples underlying the organization of a course in nature-study on 

 which workers along this line agree ; 



The writer would suggest the following propositions as a basis 

 for a discussion of this question, which it is hoped will be con- 

 tinued in later numbers of the Review. An effort has been made 

 to separate those principles involved in the organization of the 

 course from those involved in the teaching of nature-studv. 



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