browkbll] NATURE-STUDY AND HIGH-SCHOOL SCIENCE 



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It is a difference not so much in subject-matter as in the spirit 

 of the instruction, in the immediate purpose to be served, and 

 in the manner of procedure. Such is the thought in the 

 lessons similar to those on the moon given here. And for those in 

 high schools who may never have had nature-study in the grades, 

 nature lessons might well be used as introductory work. 



Not least among the ends sought in the nature lessons is a 

 growth in confidence in every pupil of his ability to master the 

 facts of his life surroundings and also the significance of these. 

 While it is the teacher's province to adapt means to ends, and to 

 at all times give direction to the work as it progresses, in no wise 

 is the teacher to come in between the child and what he is to ob- 

 serve, nor rob him of opportunity to think and to tell his thoughts. 

 Assistance must needs be given when and where needed, but only 

 as needed. The problems that now vex the teacher of science 

 in the high school must needs largely disappear when those enter- 

 ing the high school as students shall have had nature work under 

 properly trained teachers in the grades. But when shall such 

 teaching be required, and whence the teachers! 



Lessons on the Moon 



A. Who of you saw the moon last night? At what time? Go to the 

 blackboard and make a drawing to show its shape as you saw it. 



(Direction: All are to look "to-night" (or first clear night) for the 

 moon, and as early as it can be seen. To-morrow be ready to help fill out 

 the first line of this "Record" (at blackboard.) 



[Let data be gathered as above at intervals of two or three days for 

 a full month. If the weather has been unfavorable, continue the obser- 

 vations for two months or three. Have children get data of moon's 

 appearance in early morning, too, if possible.] 

 B.i. When the moon was seen in the west in the early evening : 



(a) In what direction was it from the sun ? 



(b) In what direction did its "horns" (cusps) point? 



(c) What kind of line was its west side ? Its east ? 



(d) What of its distance from the west horizon (and the sun) 

 evening; after evening;? 



