AGRICULTURAL NATURE STUDY OUTLINES 
15 
be emphasized, but the chief purpose is to magnify the importance of 
the farmer’s work and to dignify honest toil in general. More detailed 
instruction and observation, of course, are left for the Seventh and 
Eighth grades. 
Seasonal needs .—Changes in weather related to human comfort as 
to food, clothing, and shelter. Contrast requirements in July w T ith 
those in December. The wisdom of ‘‘looking ahead’ 7 on the farm. 
Reasons why the farmer should plan for six months or a year in 
advance. Storage of food. 
Social interests .—The year’s picnics, excursions, fishing trips, fairs, 
parties, patriotic celebrations, etc. What is the school doing to develop 
the social idea? Play on the school ground, social value. Meetings in 
the schoolhouse, their community value. Discussion of various insti¬ 
tutions and organizations that are helping to give a better community 
life. Is there a rural church, a grange, a farm bureau in the district ? 
Find out if possible their programs of work. 
* Health needs .—Hygiene for the individual in the school and home 
and for the community at large. Refer to books on physiology for 
topics with reference to breathing, ventilation, the five senses, and 
first aid. Discussion of contents of some one bulletin from State 
Board of Health as to drainage or water supply, or the fly or the 
mosquito. Do not attempt to cover the whole field of rural sanitation 
in this grade. Leave a few matters for the upper grades. Select some 
one phase and do as thorough work as is possible, considering always 
the capacity of the ones taught. 
2. Plant Life throughout the Year 
Garden studies .—Each child make a list of all vegetables grown 
in the home garden. When were the seeds planted? Who helped in 
the summer garden work? What is the fall appearance of the home 
or school garden? Name vegetables that have been used or that are 
now ready for use. The same with flowers. What parts of vegetables 
are used for food? What ones are being stored for future use? Where 
and how? What seeds are collected for spring planting? What vege¬ 
tables remain in the garden during the winter or rainy season? 
Discuss preparations for garden work in the spring. If not possible 
to have a little plot on the school grounds, encourage the home garden. 
In either case have a window garden in the schoolroom. Plant a few 
quick growing vegetables, as radish, bean, pea, to observe germination 
and growth. Have a flower box with geranium slips and nasturtium 
seed for a beginning. Plan for a school exhibit next year. 
