EXERCISES FOE SOUTHERN RURAL SCHOOLS. 



Review. — Review the pupils of this grade on the plant population 

 of the community. They should be able to recognize at sight those 

 plants that have been studied by pupils of the lower grades. 



New assignment — Give special attention to orchard and forest 

 trees. Locate and name those that are ripening fruit or maturing 

 seed. Having listed and located the foregoing designated plants, 

 study them to be able to answer the following questions: What are 

 the part? of the trees? In what location — hill, hollow, swamp, 

 ledge of rock — do they flourish? What are the uses of the wood, 

 sap, fruit, seed? 



For study throughout the year select a striking tree of economic 

 importance on or near the school yard and begin this month to 

 make observations, take notes, and make drawings along the lines 

 indicated by the following: (1) Outline drawing, accompanied by 

 written description of the tree as it appears this month; (2) outline 

 of a small branch, showing how leaves are attached — long or short 

 stem, opposite or alternate; (3) outlines of leaves, with descriptions 

 to show the relative sizes of leaves from different parts of the tree. 

 Show the color of upper and lower surfaces, the arrangement of 

 veins, and the kind of margin. (The foregoing should be followed 

 throughout the year in the study of the tree selected.) 



Practical exercises. — Collecting and mounting leaves, seed, and 

 small specimens of wood of the trees being studied this month and 

 learning to identify them should constitute a part of the practical 

 work. (See Farmers' Bui. 586.) 



A large chart should be prepared and placed in a conspicuous 

 place on the wall of the school for recording (phenological) observa- 

 tions. Its purpose should be explained, and the pupils of all grades 

 should be encouraged to assist in gathering data. (For sample chart 

 and explanation see Appendix.) 



Every pupil of this grade should have a garden either at school or 

 at home. Gathering vacation crops, clearing away rubbish, prepar- 

 ing and fertilizing the soil, and planting fall and winter crops should 

 occupy the attention of the pupils. Crops should be planted that 

 can be consumed or gathered in time for planting early spring gar- 

 dens. (For suggested crops see Appendix.) 



Correlations. — Language: Write descriptions covering practical 

 exercises with plant studies. 



Drawing: Make drawings of the specimens of wood collected. 

 Colored crayons should be used to indicate proper shade of the dif- 

 ferent purls of the wood. 



Geography: Make an outline map of the school district and indi- 

 cate the locations of orchards and considerable groups of forest trees 

 that have Keen given special attention this month. 

 5394° Cull. 305 -15 2 



