288 REPORTS ON THE STATE OF SCIENCE, ETC. 



specimen (and where possible in the field), and of fossils. If the school 

 possesses a microscope it can be used with advantage for the examination 

 of rock slices ; moreover, an ordinary microscope can now be converted 

 at little cost into a polarising microscope, which would add greatly to the 

 interest of examining rocks. The study of geological maps and the drawing 

 of sections across them is an important part of the work ; those selected 

 should include geological maps of the district, to be studied in connection 

 with field work. In the course of field work reference should be made to 

 the structural features and their influence on rehef ; the position of springs ; 

 the relation of the soils and distribution of vegetation to the nature 

 of the underlying rocks ; building stones and other products of economic 

 importance. 



Senior {Elementary) Schools. 



While the Committee believe that a well-planned scheme of General 

 Science (including the elements of geological knowledge as outlined on 

 p. 284) supplies the most suitable basis for science teaching in Senior 

 Schools, they recognise that in some schools the facilities are inadequate 

 for experimental work of the character desirable in such a scheme. Where 

 work in science has to be more limited in scope it is suggested that Geology 

 may suitably be introduced as an independent subject, for it has the 

 advantage that it can be taught with very little equipment, and that its 

 requirements as regards laboratories and apparatus are fewer than in the 

 case of almost any other science. It would be appropriate to teach Geology 

 more fully also in those areas where many of the scholars will eventually 

 find employment in mines and quarries or on the land. 



The courses provided in such schools would naturally show much 

 variation, especially as the Senior Schools are free from the necessity of 

 preparing their pupils for prescribed examinations. In most cases a rather 

 practical bias would be appropriate to the course, and the relations of 

 Geology to human life would be of outstanding importance ; treated in 

 this way Geology would form a link between the cultural and the vocational 

 aspects of study. In some schools the approach to Geology would best 

 be made through school journeys, which afford opportunities for simple 

 field studies of a more extended character. 



As an example of a scheme of study for Senior Schools the following is 

 suggested : 



1. An elementary study of rocks. Based mainly on material obtained 



or used locally, with comparative examination of other types. Local 

 uses of rocks in building and brick making, for road materials, in 

 industrial processes, etc. 



2. The common minerals : (a) in relation to rocks examined ; (6) some 



metallic ores, and the derivation from thehj of metals by simple 

 experiments ; (c) such minerals as rock salt, with reference to mode 

 of origin, etc. 



3. Bedding and jointing of rocks ; structures of rocks as seen in the 



field ; extent and underground occurrence. 



4. Springs and spring water : mineral, medicinal and petrifying springs ; 



hard and soft water. Water supply : how towns and villages are 

 supplied. 



5. Soil and its formation. Local soils and sub-soils, with observations 



on their distribution and thicknesses. 



