t84 the nature-study review [i, 5, SEPT. 1905 



that it will have to be filled in and changed more or less to suit the needs 

 of different localities. 



The nature-study topics are grouped under a number of heads for the 

 sake of clearness, but this classification should not be carried out in actual 

 practice. 



Manual training, hygiene and sanitation, and civics, are related to nature- 

 study and should have a place in a complete course of study. 



Little is expected in the way of memorizing of facts, but an earnest 

 attempt is made throughout to group these according to their relations and 

 so build up a connected and rational whole. 



Strong emphasis is laid upon the necessity of the pupil acquiring a thor- 

 ough understanding of the meaning of the maps and relief models of his 

 home region before taking up the study of maps of distant regions. Map 

 di awing as an exercise cultivates the hand and eye and aids in forming 

 mental images of position, but unless this work is based upon facts open 

 to observation the map symbols will appear to the child as little more than 

 so many lines, and a mental picture of the reality for w-hich the map stands 

 will not be formed. 



The formal survey of the continents as presented in the text-books is 

 omitted as being of little value, but the geography of history, of industrial 

 expansion, and of current events is important, because through such asso- 

 ciations the facts worth knowing become fixed. The geography of current 

 events carried on through the last three years of the grammar school period 

 is quite sure to cover all the important parts of the world. 



No abstract or technical work in physical phenomena is recommended, 

 only such problems as are illustrative of the experiences of every-day life. 



Nature-Study — First Grade 



Institutional and Industrial 



Talks about our homes, materials of which they are made. Homes of the 

 first settlers. Homes of the Indians. Stories of primitive life. Building 

 of play homes of various kinds. 



Wild animals and fish obtainable in the neighborhood. The natural 

 vegetable products of neighborhood suitable for food, such as fruits, berries, 

 nuts, roots and other parts of plants. Vegetable products which have been 

 introduced. 



How men subsisted before the discovery of fire. Advantages of fire. 

 How fire may have been discovered. 



How much we depend upon other people for the comforts of life. Talks 

 about doing necessary work with primitive means. Making of clay dishes 

 and weaving of mats from bark or roots or rushes. 



Implements used by Indians for killing game, fishing, and for their own 

 protection. Making of bows and arrows. 



Various ways of traveling which the children have observed. Traveling 

 long ago. 



Stories and poems introducing holidays and festivals. 



