GENERAL SCIENCE IN SCHOOLS 327 
The following is a summary of the information obtained by the com- 
mittee : 
School Societies—The science club often embraces all the sciences so as 
to give boys or girls, especially those: who are specialising in non-scientific 
subjects, a chance to listen to lectures and debates on scientific subjects of 
current interest. It provides for the display of films of scientific appeal in 
natural history, archeology and other subjects. Lectures by visitors from 
other schools and from universities often provide great interest. Sections 
devoted to particular branches of science-appeal specially to the field worker 
and the collector; they give opportunities for the more enthusiastic 
members to read papers or, less formally, to describe or exhibit natural 
phenomena in the knowledge of which they are versed. Interest in the 
weather is fostered by the regular recording of meteorological observations. 
A combination of zoological and botanical garden for the use of pupils is 
a great asset; skilled guidance is necessary here, but much of this work 
can be done by suitable chosen curators. In this connection it is interesting 
to read the report on the Botany Gardens of the James Allen’s Girls’ School, 
Dulwich (Educational Pamphlet No. 41, Board of Education). A room in 
which special collecting apparatus and aquaria, both large and small, can be 
kept is desirable ; but experience shows that work need not be delayed on 
account of the lack of such accommodation. For more advanced field- 
work a laboratory must be open at suitable out-of-school times. This kind 
of work is very valuable as a training in scientific method, provided the 
workers keep accurate records of data relevant to their observations. 
Lectures of general scientific interest may well be thrown open to the 
whole school, and not limited to members of a society. In the North- 
Western area the Association of Women Science Teachers has a panel of 
lecturers who visit schools in the Manchester and Liverpool districts. The 
lecturers are chiefly teachers in secondary schools or University lecturers 
or museum keepers. 
~ Many school museums are organised to help those interested in particular 
branches of science. ‘The use of the material in the museum is encouraged 
and interest aroused by frequent changes in the exhibits. The possession 
of a museum, however good, offers little stimulus unless the pupil is already 
interested in field-work. 
- According to an experienced teacher of biology there are three stages 
through which boys will usually pass during the course of their member- 
ship in the science club, though not all boys will arrive at the third stage : 
(i) casual interest ; (ii) enthusiastic cdllection ; and (iii) a stage at which 
the work is pursued on scientific lines. 
_ Unorganised Voluntary Holiday Work.—Where the school has scouts or 
guides much useful work is often done under competent leaders. The 
Whitsuntide and Summer camps are the means of introducing many urban 
pupils to some of the secrets and joys of the countryside. 
_ Expeditions —These may have as their primary objective: (i) the culti- 
vation of a wider scientific outlook than class teaching can give; (ii) the 
establishment of an interest in the practical application of scientific know- 
ledge to human affairs ; and (iii) the acquisition of a first-hand experience 
of field-work. Under (i) and (ii) would be included visits to factories, gas 
and electrical stations, wireless stations, dairies, research stations, and 
Zoological and botanical gardens. Managers are almost invariably generous 
in granting facilities for such visits, as well as in providing skilled guidance. 
Under (iii) would be included short expeditions into the country for the 
purpose of studying the flora, fauna and physical features. 
