ON THE TEACHING OF SCIENCE IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS. 361 



In 1885-86 

 „ 1886-87 

 „ 1887-88 

 „ 1888-89 

 „ 1889-90 

 „ 1890-91 

 „ 1891-92 

 „ 1892-93 



The returns of the Education Department given above refer to the 

 whole of England and Wales, and are for the school years ending with 

 August 31. The statistics of the London School Board are brought up to 

 the year ending with Lady Day, 1891. They also illustrate the great 

 advance that has been made in the teaching of Elementary Science as a 

 class subject, and they give the number of children as well as the number 

 of departments. 



The alterations in the New Code bearing upon instruction in Science 

 are as follows : — 



1. The addition of Domestic Economy (for girls) to the list of claaa 

 subjects. Hitherto it has only been recognised as a specific subject, which 

 limited the instruction to the higher standards. If taken as a class 

 subject, it will, of course, have to be taught throughout the school. 



2. The addition of Hygiene to the list of specific subjects. 



3. The inclusion of Horticulture in the Schedule of Alternative Courses 

 in Elementary Science. This is practically the same as Horticulture 

 treated as a specific subject, but spread over the seven standards. 



4. The insertion in the same Schedule of an entirely new course, called 

 ' Experimental Arithmetic, Physics and Chemistry.' This is so great a 

 departure from ordinary methods, and is likely to effect so decided an im- 

 provement in the mode of teaching, that it is thought desirable to set out 

 the programme in full detail. It will be found in the Appendix to this 

 Report. It follows somewhat on the lines of the Elementary course in 

 Practical Science which appeared in the Evening School Code of last year, 

 and to which your Committee drew particular attention in the Report pre- 

 sented at the Nottingham meeting. This will go far to realise the hope 

 then expressed that these improved methods of instruction may be largely 

 adopted in the day schools. 



The changes in the Code with regard to the instruction of pupil teachers 

 in science subjects are in an opposite direction. The whole of the pro- 

 vision hitherto made for the encouragement of the study of science by the 

 pupil teachers has been swept away. But it is understood there is an 

 intention to put in its place an obligatory coui'se of Primary Science, which 

 may form the basis for any further special science which may be taken 

 optionally. If this idea is carried out, it will place Natural Science for the 

 first time in its proper place in the curriculum. In the meantime, however, 

 no marks can be obtained at the Queen's Scholarship examination for 



