NON-LIVING THINGS 



The following list of metals is suggested for a continu- 

 ance of the work: lead, tin, copper, zinc, aluminum, silver, 

 and that to the child most interesting of all metals, mercury. 

 Compare each with iron in suclj,; properties as hardness, 

 weight, strength; and discuss uses. Discuss also important 

 alloys, as hfonze and brass; also the reasons for making 

 alloys, \jmere sufficient heat is easily available, young 

 childrentfspecially will be much interested in seeing lead 

 used in casting bullets or even poured into cold 

 it takes on peculiar shapes. Mercury, at ordi- 

 na^temperatures, remains in the melted state. At a tem- 

 perature of forty degrees below zero, Fahrenheit, however, 

 it hardens to a form somewhat like lead. 



SIMPLE CHEMISTRY OF AIR 



Provide a couple of ordinary candy jars; a shallow 

 trough or basin with a capacity of two to four gallons; 

 some rubber and glass tubing, one- fourth inch in diameter; 

 ancrm few medium-sized test-tubes with corks to fit. Have 

 also some short pieces of wax or tallow candle, an ounce 

 or two of potassium chlorate, three or four ounces of man- 

 ganese dioxide (black oxide), and an alcohol lamp. 



Experiment. Place a short piece of candle upon a float 

 that is small enough to go easily into the mouth of the candy 

 jar. Float the candle in an inch of water in a plate. Light 

 the candle and invert the candy jar over it, letting its edge 

 sink into the shallow water. Call the attention of the 

 pupils to the fact that the jar is filled with air. At first, 

 the flame burns brightly, but it soon grows dim and small, 

 and after a few moments it goes out. Repeat the experi- 

 ment, noting the water that rises into the jar. Why is the 



