A COURSE IN NATURE STUDY FOR USE IN 

 THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS. 



FIRST GRADE. 



SEPTEMBER. 

 PLANTS. 



Compare growth of twigs on different trees maple, horse-chestnut, 

 poplar, spruce. 



Relation of insects to leaves used as nests, for food,' for deposit- 

 ories for eggs, not disturbed. 



Fruits. Classification as to color and taste; reason for color and 

 taste. 



ANIMALS. 



Migration of birds. Study cat and dog. Compare coats as to tex- 

 ture, color, distribution, warmth and protection. 



ELEMENTARY GEOGRAPHY. 



Construct a magnetic needle to determine directions. 



Daily record of day, date, frost or dew, direction of wind, clouds 

 or fogs, rain, temperature. 



Locate places in the horizon where the sun rises and sets. Posi- 

 tion of sun at noon; morning and evening star. 



MINERALS. 



Make collections of pebbles. Classify as to color, form, smooth- 

 ness, weight, etc. Examine coarse and find sand. Relate to smooth- 

 ness of pebbles, and effects of water. 



NOTE. In the study of trees, observations should be confined to a few 

 throughout the year. The shape, bark, wood, leaves, blossoms, fruit cocoons, 

 should be studied and comparisons made. The life infesting the tree should be 

 noted, and, if possible, reasons assigned. 



Place list of different kinds of birds observed by pupils during summer in a 

 conspicuous place on the board, also list of those observed during first weeks 

 of school. Relate migration of birds to Weather Record, noting effect of tem- 

 perature upon insect life, growth, bud scars and leaf scars. Relate structure and 

 migration to food getting; robin and earthworm; woodpecker and grub; quail 

 and seeds. 



Construct magnetic needle by magnetizing end of a needle with opposite poles 

 of a magnet, inserting through center of small cork, and suspending by silk 

 thread. 



(9) 



