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NATURE-STUDY REVIEW [15:6— Nov., 1919 



ing to reproduce that same environment, and a study of the trans- 

 ferred organisms, vitaHty, concreteness, and staple interest are 

 firmly attached to the aquarium; and the greatly desired, im- 

 mediate end is reached. 



At this point, perhaps it is necessary to go into detail in the 

 natiu-e study class about the various forms of life within the aquar- 

 ium. Let us take, for instance," the de- 

 velopment of the toad from the egg. A 

 study of the frog is just as good except 

 that the toad reaches its adult stage by 

 the latter part of June, when most schools 

 close. The children can help find these 

 toad eggs, the latter part of April, as a 

 jelly-like string or rope, generally tangled 

 and wound around the water plants or 

 sticks at the bottom of the pond near the 

 shore. The teacher may have the class 

 individually examine these, in a watch- 

 glass using a microscope. A minute or 

 two might profitably be taken from the 

 regular nature-study lesson each day to 

 note changes taking place, without detract- 

 ing from the study of the day. The day 

 the first eggs hatch, and for several 

 days following, it would be well to take 

 the entire class period to study the 

 new tad-poles. A general discussion, 

 with leading questions, such as "How do they eat?" "How 

 do they breathe?" etc., will arouse the children's curiosity. Then 

 with the aid of the microscope, the children might try to solve 

 these questions; but, no doubt, they will need considerable help 

 to see and fully comprehend the functions of the circular disk 

 representing the mouth, the gills, etc. The teacher should endea- 

 vor to arouse daily interest in the aquarium by asking questions 

 that require thoughtful observation; for instance, "Are there 

 any signs of breathing?" Then there follows a great series of 

 changes, each one a revelation to the learning child; for example, 

 the appearance of the eyes and mouth, the disappearance of the 

 gills and tail, growth of legs, etc. These gradual changes give 

 the teacher a marvelous chance to make the aquarium an out- 



A Mason jar aquarium 



