Nature Study, Normal Schools, and Summer Camp 



Councillors 



Grace Brown Gardner 



State Normal School, Framingham, Massachusetts 



Probably no subject in the normal school curriculiim has had a 

 more varied career than that now designated by the general 

 term of nature study. Natural history, which was taught in a 

 desultory manner and at irregular intervals during the earlier 

 years of the normal schools, early became differentiated into 

 botany and zoology. These subjects were taught from a strictly scien- 

 tific standpoint. Botany dealing largely with the analysis and classi- 

 fication of plants and the m.aking of herbaria, and zoology with the 

 structure and classification of anim.als and the formation of 

 comparative collections. Later, with the aid of the compound 

 microscope, these two subjects were studied in regard to cell and 

 tissue structure. This technical work dealing largely with dead 

 material was superseded by the study of biology, with the emphasis 

 placed upon the life processes of living organisms. The constant 

 change of aim and content in the subject is indicated by the nomen- 

 clature, "Biology", ''Biological Science", "Natural Science", 

 "Elementary Science", " Plants and Animals", "Practical Science", 

 and "Nature Study". We find the collections of the earher 

 period giving way to field trips and excursions and living material 

 in the school room, with the purpose of arousing in the pupil an 

 intelligent interest in his environment. We find abstract ideas 

 becoming concrete in the project method of teaching, and the 

 community spirit developed in the home and school garden 

 movement. Is it not possible to vitalize the subject still further 

 by cooperation with the nature lore work of the summer camps? 



In every normal school class there are some students who by 

 reason of early training or natural aptitude are particularly 

 interested in nature work. If such students are informed as to 

 the possibiHty of fitting themselves for nature lore councillors, 

 and are placed in touch with those seeking candidates for such 

 positions, it should be of value both to the normal schools and to 

 the svimmer camps. 



Summer camp work enables the student to increase knowledge 

 of the subject matter while enjoying a healthful vacation with 

 inspiring companionship. It furnishes an opportunity to work 



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