494 SISTER M. OLIVIA 



few fundamental problems that have confronted natural sci- 

 entists of all ages forces the student to become more critical in 

 his thinking, and provides for both the science major and the 

 non-scientist a frame of reference in which to compare and 

 evaluate systems of thought resulting from particular solutions 

 to these problems. 



The Theory in Practice: 

 Elementary Curriculum 



Success in curriculum building is found in the practice. Prac- 

 tice involves the education of a unity, a Christian person; and 

 therefore, the process itself must be one of unification and not 

 division. The unity will first be found within the subject matter 

 taught, then within its interrelation with other subjects of the 

 curriculum, and finally within the methodology of the teacher. 



The specific objectives of elementary science, as previously 

 stated, do not necessitate an autonomous position for nature 

 study at the primary level. The child's rich background of 

 actual experiences with the things of nature must begin with 

 everyday situations in which he perceives by handling, tasting, 

 smelling, listening, looking and then reflecting. Christian Doc- 

 trine provides the integrating force for both the natural and 

 social sciences. The child quickly comes to a realization of 

 plants and animals. In Christian Doctrine the story of Genesis 

 adds the important realization that a loving Father provided 

 this order. In social studies an application of this is made to 

 the family unit. 



Then the child's comprehension of law both divine and 

 human, as well as its necessity, is enhanced by investigating 

 natural law as it is found in living and non-living phenomena. 

 At the third level, the need to use these gifts of creation 

 properly is emphasized as the student begins to see how man 

 can control and conserve the powers of nature. 



At the fourth level natural science becomes autonomous, but 

 the content of this science is determined by the history of man 

 considered in the classes devoted to social science and Christian 



