92 NATURE STUDY 



Obviously, even these few facts cannot be learned by 

 any one in less than a year. They are merely given here 

 for the convenience of the teacher, and will be referred 

 to again when the occasion demands. 



To do effective work it is absolutely essential that the 

 teacher, even more than the children, should observe and 

 think about the weather conditions. 



I would again urge a set time for the daily written 

 record by the children, and a few minutes immediately 

 after this for a free discussion of the facts and their 

 meanings. 



Temperature : 



Every schoolhouse should have, just outside the door, 

 a large alcohol thermometer, so placed that the mark 50° 

 is level with the eye of the medium-sized child. 



It is worth while, if it be possible, to have a cheap 

 thermometer for every other child. This, perhaps, can 

 be managed by teaching the children in small groups. 



Facts : 



Heat causes the mercury to rise ; cold, to fall. 



A thermometer can only be accurately read when the 

 top of the mercury column is on a level with the eye. 



In the winter, north and west winds usually bring cold; 

 south and east winds, warmth. 



Method : 



Make the children handle the thermometers without 

 touching the mercury column. No teacher needs to be 

 told that this demands from her clear directions and 

 vigilance in seeing that they are obeyed. 



