Hature Stuby. 



INTRODUCTION. 



The following course of instruction in nature study, the result of sev- 

 eral years of thought, experience, and experiment, has been arranged for 

 the practice school connected with the Oswego Normal School. 



The work outlined for the first four years is based entirely upon ex- 

 perience, and has been done, most of it, again and again. The work 

 planned for the second cycle, beginning with the fifth year, has not all 

 been done, as the pupils have not been prepared for it. Most of it will be 

 done during the present school year — 1895-96. 



No work in astronomy has been included in the course. The funda- 

 mental facts in astronomy, which can be learned from observation by 

 children, should be and are included in the study of geography. 



WHAT IS NATURE STUDY? 



It seems wise to define at the outset our terms, and to state what is 

 meant by nature study, and also to suramarize the special objects or aims 

 of the work. 



By nature study is meant investigation by each pupil of the plants, 

 animals, minerals, and physical j)henomena which constitute his immedi- 

 ate physical en^aronment. 



Defined in detail, nature study is : 



Nature — studied — in its relations; 



By the child — from the child's standpoint; 



By the teacher — with the child : 



As a means of developing the child's higher nature ; 



As AN AID in other SCHOOL WORK ; 



As a PREPARATION FOR PRACTICAL LIFE. 



I. Nature. 

 Not merely books or pictures. 



II. Studied. 



Not merely talked about or read about ; not merely glanced at, but 

 carefully, patiently studied ; personally investigated by every pupil. 



III. In its Relations. 



Not as an isolated thing, but in all its relations : 



1. To the ivliole of which it is a part, and to the other parts of that 

 whole. The flower or leaf is not merely a flower or leaf, but is related to 

 the whole plant and to every part of the plant. This brings out function, 

 or use, and plan. 



