UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 
‘N; BULLETIN No. 346 “Sk 
Contribution from the States Relations Service 
A. C. TRUE, Director 
Washington, D. C. PROFESSIONAL PAPER February 21, 1916 
HOME PROJECTS IN SECONDARY COURSES IN 
AGRICULTURE.’ 
By H. P. Barrows, Assistant in Agricultural Education. 
CONTENTS. 
Page. Page, 
Mnpraduetione fae. 052s Pies. Bese aol alee oho 5 Ini Some project outlines)... 205s 2es ase caece 8 
Development of the home project idea.....-- Zi | SOME PrLOleCt PLODLOMS = 2 -\-s< sencscce esas cee 18 
Essentials of a successful project.......-.-.-. 4 
INTRODUCTION. 
Elementary agriculture is taught in a large number of high schools 
m much the same manner that academic subjects are taught. It is 
evident that the aim in these classes is to arouse interest and to 
give information about farming. During the last two or three years, 
however, there has been a remarkable increase in the number of 
schools which are conducting more extensive courses in agriculture. 
Most of the schools which devote more than one year to this subject 
employ a teacher who has had special training in agricultural sub- 
jects. A recent investigation made by the States Relations Service 
revealed the fact that the predominating aim in these schools is 
vocational—i. e., that they are attempting to train their students 
for actual farm practice. In the attempt to make the teaching of 
agriculture practical teachers and school officers have met with dif- 
ficult problems. Many have felt that the only solution of the prob- 
lems of practical work is for the school to own land upon which the 
student might see a demonstration of principles and put into prac- 
tice what he learns. The school farm has not solved the problem 
satisfactorily for all and has presented new problems which are 
1Prepared under the supervision of C. H. Lane, Chief Specialist in Agricultural Education, States 
Relations Service. ‘ 
Note.—This bulletin gives information regarding the home-project plan of teaching agriculture and is 
of interest primarily to teachers in secondary rural schools. 
17149°—Bull. 346—16——1 
