The Choosing, Stocking, and Caring forjan Aquariuum 



Gladys Kepner 

 Lena, Illinois 



The aquariimi is an excellent means of teaching Nature Study, 

 for it furnishes concrete material for imager\' required by modem 



methods of teaching. 

 It is a problem that 

 can, with co-opera- 

 tion of teacher and 

 pupils, be established 

 and maintained in the 

 schoolroom without 

 much work and strain 

 on the part of any 

 participant. It will 

 interest children in 

 nature and will furnish 

 specific knowledge of 

 their en\ironment ; 

 their attitudes will 

 change from a desire 

 to destroy life to a 

 sense of reverence for 

 all living things, which 

 is a fundamental in 

 moulding moral char- 

 acter. By a study of 

 the aquatic life the 

 children will come to realize a new fascination in outdoor life, which 

 is a quality bearing direct connection with the question of health. 

 Many children have experienced little or no sense of care and respon- 

 sibility at home, this is an opportune way of having them bear a small 

 burden without their realizingit as'such. Then, too, innature study, 

 as in all other studies, the facts must be brought into one's exper- 

 ience; and by seeing the aquatic Hfe in its natural and artificial 

 homes, the various changes, life-histories, adaptations, and con- 

 trols, the children come to know it is a real, concerete study. It 

 broadens their minds to know that these cycles have always 

 been going on, but that they are learning of them only now. 



337 



An inexpensive and durable aquariiim 



