The Natural History of Chautauqua 



the scientific method for those students who plan to study 

 chemistry, physics, botany, or any other of the subdivisions; 

 and secondly, those students who have the general course as 

 their only science work gain a substantial elucidation of the 

 great principles and laws of Nature, giving perspective and a 

 working-knowledge of the methods of science. 



Professor Bigelow, in the Cyclopedia of Education, has 

 concisely distinguished between the natural history work of 

 the high schools and the nature-study lessons of the elementary 

 grades : 



" The term nature study was for many years criticized, because 

 etymologically it suggests all scientific studies of nature, and hence is 

 co-extensive with the combined natural sciences; but this objection is no 

 longer urged by prominent scientists, for it is now generally understood 

 in both England and America the nature study means a special type of 

 study adapted primarily to pupils of elementary school age. 



" The fact that nature study and natural history deal with the same 

 objects and processes has led to much investigation. ... It is now 

 agreed among the leaders of the nature study movement that a satisfactory 

 division of the field between nature study for elementary schools and 

 science courses for higher schools has been found in theory and is rapidly 

 becoming successful in practice." 



Over forty colleges and universities in the United States 

 now recognize high-school courses in general introductory 

 science for entrance credit as counting towards admission for 

 the A. B. degree. Many colleges and universities are now 

 requiring a first-year course in general natural history or gen- 

 eral science, for those students who are not specializing in the 

 science group. The cultural value of this type of survey 

 course is also evidenced by its wide introduction into the 

 curricula of normal and training schools. At sessions of the 

 National Education Association there was delivered a notable 

 series of addresses on the scope and function of the general 

 science course. 



It is unquestionable that natural history will continue to 

 enlarge its influence in the education programs of the twentieth 

 century. So many of the common problems of every-day life 



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