570 NATURE STUDY. 



Perhaps in the second, and certainly in the third grade, 

 the germination of bean and pea can be observed together 

 and constantly compared. Later this may be supplemented 



at least in grades above the second by such seeds as 

 the pumpkin or squash, sunflower, maple (if it can be found 

 germinating out-of-doors), and morning-glory or four-o'clock. 

 Always plant, when possible, early dwarf varieties. They 

 thrive best in the schoolroom, and mature before the end of 

 the school year. The corn is very difficult to understand ; 

 and it seems wise to leave the study of corn, wheat, oats, 

 and similar seeds, until later years. 



If possible, have each child plant his own seeds. Several 

 can have a large flower-pot together, or the dirt in the 

 window box can be marked off in squares. The holes into 

 which the children are to drop the seeds can be made with 

 a lead pencil. The children will enjoy watering the seeds, 

 under direction. (Not too wet, remember.) The resulting 

 sense of ownership will add much to their interest. 



Plant plenty of seeds, several for each pupil. Many will 

 decay. If too crowded in the window boxes they can be 

 easily thinned out. Most teachers do not provide enough 

 material to do the best work. 



Encourage the pupils to plant and watch the seeds at 

 home, and to report results at school. 



Plant some seeds (peas thrive best) on damp not wet 



paper, in covered jelly tumblers or fruit jars, or on 

 sponges in open tumblers, the lower part of the sponge 

 touching not immersed in water in the bottom of the 

 glass. These will show the children how the roots are 

 formed, how they branch and produce root-hairs, how they 

 grow and get nourishment. These points cannot be studied 

 on plants in the ground. With the little children it is not 

 wise to pull up the plants. They should learn, first of all, 

 to love and cherish and care for them. 



