and Laboratory Methods. 1603 



The Biology Laboratory in the Small High School. 



This outline is intended for those small schools which do not have a labora- 

 tory. An endeavor has been made to suggest an equipment which will cost 

 as little as possible, and yet be effective. The cheapest articles have not always 

 been selected, because they frequently prove the most expensive. The teachers 

 in these schools are overworked, and any cheap substitute which consumes time 

 is not to be recommended. In such a school, a double nose-piece on a micro- 

 scope saves, in a single year, more than its extra cost. The wages of the teacher 

 should be taken into account, and anything which saves time and renders his 

 work more effective is a wise expenditure. It is not good management to hire a 

 man to work and fail to furnish him with the proper tools. 



THE LABORATORY ROOM. 



A well lighted room, furnished with chairs and tables, should be provided. 

 The cost is less than that of equipping with desks. The room may be used for 

 other recitations if the science classes do not fully occupy the time. There is 

 no reason why science work should be relegated to poorly lighted, heated, 

 and ventilated basement or attic rooms. In fact, science work has greater need 

 for light than other work. The laboratory is not a museum of curiosities, to be 

 visited once or twice per week, weather permitting. It should be a place of 

 activity and work, used every day and every hour of the day. It should, there- 

 fore, be as well lighted, heated, and ventilated, and as easy of access as any 

 other room. If a school has but two rooms, one of these should be the labora- 

 tory. A fair laboratory can be made by replacing the rear seats of a large 

 recitation room with chairs and tables. In small schools such an arrangement 

 has some advantages. Double laboratory periods can seldom be secured, and 

 pupils must necessarily do laboratory work at times when the teacher is hear- 

 ing other recitations. The above arrangement keeps them in sight of the 

 teacher, and ensures better work. If the chair legs have been rubber tipped the 

 class in front will seldom be disturbed. 



The building up of a laboratory depends largely on the preservation of 

 material, and suitable case room is absolutely essential. Some provision must 

 be made for water. A sink with running water should be readily accessible. If 

 there is no system of city water works, a tank in the attic, which can be filled 

 by a force pump, is the best substitute. It should be so constructed and so 

 placed as to avoid freezing. It should be the janitor's duty to see that the tank 

 is kept full. Large crocks make convenient receptacles for waste material. 

 The janitor should empty these daily. If gas and Bunsen burners are not 

 available, a supply of alcohol lamps and a blast lamp are necessary. 



GENERAL LABORATORY EQUIPMENT. 



The following material and apparatus of a general nature should be provided. 

 Most of it can be procured from local dealers, and is usable for other work than 

 that of botany and zoology. 



