10 Our Surroundings 



has made necessary its division into branches. Among these are 

 Physics, Chemistry, Astronomy, Zoology, Botany, Physiology, 

 Physical Geography and Geology. 



General Science deals with the facts and laws of the common 

 things of our surroundings. 



The basis of the scientific method is the experiment, an act 

 performed to discover or test some scientific truth. 



The scientific method is the process by which most new dis- 

 coveries of facts are made and by which new problems are solved. 

 It includes experimentation and observation, and the formation of 

 hypotheses, theories and laws. 



A hypothesis is an explanation which is believed correct but 

 which has not 'been proved. 



A theory is a hypothesis the truth of which has been strength- 

 ened by experiments. 



A law, or principle, is a theory which has been proved to be 

 correct. 



FACT AND THOUGHT QUESTIONS 



1. Compare food-getting now and in the early ages of man. 



2. What is Science ? 



3. Name and define several branches of Science. 



4. What is included in General Science? 



5. What is an experiment? 



6. Complete this sentence : The main parts of an experiment are . 



7. Observe a pane of glass in the schoolroom window, using the senses 

 of sight and touch. Tell the results of your observations. 



8. Suggest comparisons you might make as a result of observations of a 

 horse and a cow. 



9. Name several common occurrences in your every-day experiences for 

 which you know the explanations. 



10- Name several common facts in your every-day experiences you would 

 like to have explained. 



PROJECTS 



1. List under proper titles 50 common things in your home surroundings. 

 Use such titles as inventions, animals, plants. 



2. Prepare a list of five books in the school library that tell of common 

 things. 



3. Collect from newspapers or periodicals at least six short articles on 

 common things. 



