Preface v 



one to another is made clear by constant reference to the great 

 truth, or unifying principle, which binds together the separate 

 sciences in their relation to general science. This is the principle 

 of the conservation of energy, which teaches that energy can 

 neither be created nor destroyed, although it can be transformed 

 to other forms without loss. 



Says the Fifth Year Book, again: "Our knowledge of science 

 to be of the largest service must be in the form of principles and 

 laws. Application of our knowledge of science to problem situa- 

 tions is a deductive process. Faced by a difficulty, we cast about 

 for the law or principle that applies to it, and thus reach a solu- 

 tion. It would seem that the design of the course of study in 

 science for the junior high school should enable the pupils to have 

 experiences with an attainment of knowledge of those laws and 

 principles that are socially worth while, and should provide much 

 drill in applying them to life situations." 



This reflects the thought of the authors of OUR SURROUNDINGS. 

 The book emphasizes basic principles and laws. These are made 

 clear as the need for their use arises. Experiments are introduced 

 at the start, and the scientific method in experimenting is at once 

 made clear. Experiments and demonstrations are interwoven with 

 the general text in such a way as not to break the continuity, but 

 to emphasize the truths taught. 



Supplemental work, in the way of individual and group 

 projects, is provided with each chapter. These not only outline 

 definite work, but are suggestive of other exercises in the same 

 lines. In addition, a feature is made of topics for outdoor observa- 

 tion. These serve to focus the attention of the pupil on his 

 surroundings. 



A special feature of the book are the carefully built fact and 

 thought questions which arouse interest and stimulate the pupil 

 to further questioning of his surroundings and to finding new 

 applications of the laws and principles he has been studying. 

 Something new is provided in the groups of questions for dis- 

 cussion and review which are placed at intervals throughout the 

 book. These offer a continuing review, helping to keep well in 

 mind facts and principles already taught. 



