FAIRBANKS] GEOGRAPHY AND NATURE-STUDY 189 



Biological 



Continue study of the aquarium and of water insects. Make a study of 

 the various water organisms, especially molluscs and crustaceans made use 

 of by man. How and where they are obtained. 



Continue observations upon birds, their value to us, their food, and 

 manner of nesting. Make a study of familiar water birds. 



Find out all about the uses to which the native plants of the neighbor- 

 hood are put. Study plants with reference to the uses of various parts of 

 the plant to itself, roots, leaves, etc. 



From a study of the plants of the home and from pictures and descrip- 

 tions discuss the effect upon them of heat, cold, dryness, moisture, rich and 

 poor soil, of various parts of the earth. 



Talks about and observations upon the struggle going on among the 

 plants and animals around us ; the food of animals, the food of plants, the 

 need of sunlight. 



The production of sugar from cane, maple trees and beets. If possible, 

 grow^ sorghum, extract the juice, make molasses and sugar. 



Agricultural 



Study different kinds of soil as to which takes up most water and which 

 holds it the longest. Experiment with sand, clay, loam, brick, solid rock. 



Shape in which plants take their food. Is it all obtained from the soil? 

 Wash some soil, evaporate water and note if there is any solid residue. 

 Find out its nature. 



Reasons for keeping soil loose about plants, effect of too much or too 

 little moisture. Poor soil and how improved. 



Experiments with plants to see if all need soil. Study of water plants. 



Garden work and care of plants. 



Study of what is most essential to plants, soil, warmth, sunlight, or 

 moisture. How man changes these factors to suit needs of plants. 



Physical 



Experiments showing circulation of the air. Study of ventilation of the 

 schoolroom. Origin of the winds. 



The various kinds of clouds. 



Begin collection of minerals of the neighborhood. 



Carry out experiments in the preparation of lime, plaster, and plaster of 

 paris. Study the minerals from which these substances are made. 



Study the different minerals of a piece of granite, the uses of mica, 

 feldspar and quartz. 



Talks about gold and gold mining, and reduction of the ores. Study with 

 aid of pictures and descriptions. 



Origin of clay and sand. Base study upon a piece of crumbling granite. 

 Uses of these substances. 



Geographical 



Study the paths of the explorers of the home region and how these were 

 governed by the features of the land and water and by the climate. The 

 occupations of the first settlers. 



