The Project Gutenberg eBook ofOntario Teachers' Manuals: Nature StudyThis ebook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this ebook or online atwww.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this eBook.Title: Ontario Teachers' Manuals: Nature StudyAuthor: Ontario. Department of EducationRelease date: July 28, 2008 [eBook #26139]Most recently updated: January 3, 2021Language: EnglishCredits: Produced by Suzanne Lybarger, Josephine Paolucci and theOnline Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net.(This file was produced from images generously madeavailable by The Internet Archive/Canadian Libraries.)*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ONTARIO TEACHERS' MANUALS: NATURE STUDY ***
This ebook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this ebook or online atwww.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this eBook.
Title: Ontario Teachers' Manuals: Nature StudyAuthor: Ontario. Department of EducationRelease date: July 28, 2008 [eBook #26139]Most recently updated: January 3, 2021Language: EnglishCredits: Produced by Suzanne Lybarger, Josephine Paolucci and theOnline Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net.(This file was produced from images generously madeavailable by The Internet Archive/Canadian Libraries.)
Title: Ontario Teachers' Manuals: Nature Study
Author: Ontario. Department of Education
Author: Ontario. Department of Education
Release date: July 28, 2008 [eBook #26139]Most recently updated: January 3, 2021
Language: English
Credits: Produced by Suzanne Lybarger, Josephine Paolucci and theOnline Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net.(This file was produced from images generously madeavailable by The Internet Archive/Canadian Libraries.)
*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ONTARIO TEACHERS' MANUALS: NATURE STUDY ***
TORONTOTHE RYERSON PRESS
Copyright, Canada, 1915, byThe Minister of Education for OntarioSecond Printing, 1918Third Printing, 1923Fourth Printing, 1924
PagePrefatory Note1Course of Study—Details3Chapter IThe Aims of Nature Study; General Methods13Concrete Material15Topics and material must suit the season; matter suited to the child; use of the commonplace; order of development of lesson; problems in observation; note-books and records15The School Garden19Suggestions; Garden Expenses20The Excursion23Its value; difficulties; frequency; suggestions for ungraded schools; the teacher's excursions; a type excursion23Collections29Animal Studies29Domestic animals; references29Birds; references30Insects; insect collections34Butterfly and moth collections37Plant Collections39Chapter IIPhysical Science Phase of Nature Study42Instructions and General Method42Value of such lessons; conditions under which experiments should be performed42Correlations of physical science phase44List of Reference Books and Bulletins on garden and plant study, physical science, and animal study45Physical Science—Equipment for Forms III and IV47Desirable apparatus47Chemicals48Apparatus50Grenet cells; decomposition apparatus; pneumatic trough; spirit-lamp; barometer; hygrometer; hints50Time Apportioned to Nature Study53Chapter III. Form I: AutumnGarden Work54Lessons on a Garden Plant—Pansy55Observation Exercises on the Dandelion57Correlation with literature and reading59Dwarf Nasturtium59Seeds60Field exercise; class-room lesson based on the collection60Seed Dispersal61Lesson on seeds that fly; correlations62Twigs and Buds62Lesson on Twigs62Further study of twigs; review lesson63Lesson on Buds65Review lesson; correlations65Leaves66Field exercises; class-room lesson on leaves66Garden Studies68Studies in the Pupil's individual Plot68Studies from the Garden as a Whole69Bulb Planting69Lesson on Bulbs and Bulb Planting69Planting the bulb70Chapter IV. Form I: WinterPet Animals72The Rabbit—Lesson on; correlations72The Domestic Cat—detailed study75The Pigeon—detailed study76Winter-blooming Plants—Observation and care of78Trees79Pines of the Locality79The White Pine79Field exercises; class-room lesson79The Elm—field exercise82Domestic Animals83The Horse; correlations83Domestic Birds85The Duck—class-room lesson85Chapter V. Form I: SpringGarden Work87Garden Studies—window garden88Wild Flowers90Recognition of Wild Flowers91Lesson in Outline—Bloodroot; correlations91Insect Study93Cecropia, or Emperor-moth93Dragon-fly94Other Conspicuous Insects95Birds95The Robin96Field exercises; the nest, eggs, and young96The Song-sparrow97Field exercises; class-room lesson97The Sheep99Problems for Field Work99Chapter VI. Form II: AutumnBulb Planting Out-of-Doors101Bed for growing bulbs; planting of bulbs indoors101Garden Work103Seed selection; storing seeds; harvesting and storing of garden crops; class-room lesson; autumn cultivation103Garden Studies106Garden Records; correlations107Climbing Plants108Trees109Storing of Tree Seeds110A Flower110Type—Nasturtium110Soil Studies112Kinds of Soil112Animal Studies113Bird Migration; correlations113Common Wild Animals114General method for field work114The Wood-chuck116The Chipmunk—field exercises117The Eastern Swallow-tail Butterfly118Chapter VII. Form II: WinterCare of Plants in the Home120Trees121Collection of Wood Specimens122Related Reading122The Dog123Class-room lesson; observation exercises; correlations123Lessons Involving Comparison125Cat and dog; experiments for assisting in the study of the cat; comparison of the horse and cow126The Squirrel129Field exercises; class-room lesson129Winter Birds130Field exercises; class-room lesson; correlations130Animals of the Zoological Gardens132Chapter VIII. Form II: SpringGarden Work133Combating Garden Pests134Cutworms; root-maggots; flea-beetles134Seed Germination135Plants for Individual Plots137Studies Based on Observations of Growing Plants137Planting and care of sweet-peas138Wild Flowers139Weeds140The Apple Tree141Field exercise; class-room lesson; field exercise following class-room lesson141Bird Study143The Toad143Field exercises; class-room lesson; detailed study; life history of the toad143The Earthworm147Class-room lesson; references148The Aquarium149Aquarium Specimens150Mosquito; study of adult form; the development; references150Caddice-fly152Insects Suitable for Lessons in Form II153Chapter IX. Form III: AutumnGarden Work154Treatment of Fungi154Treatment of Insects—cabbage-worm156Plants158Annuals, Biennials, and Perennials158Class-room lesson158Garden Studies159Annuals, biennials, perennials159Special Study of Garden Plants160Sweet-pea; pumpkin; corn; correlations160Seed Dispersal—Lesson164Detailed Study of Seed Dispersal—class-room lesson165Seed collections; man as a disperser of seeds166The Sugar Maple—field exercises168Maple Leaves—class-room lesson; correlations169Weed Studies170Observation lesson on weed seeds171Grasshopper—field exercises; class-room lesson172Aphides174Tomato Worm—the adult; the chrysalis175The Crow; correlations177Chapter X. Form III: WinterCare of Plants in the Home178Plant Cuttings179Selection of cuttings; potting of rooted cuttings179Evergreens—class-room lesson181Collection of Wood Specimens182Related Reading183How Animals Prepare for Winter183Summary of Lessons; correlations184Chickens185Conversation lesson; arithmetic lesson; care and food of chickens185Physical Science Phase of Nature Study188Solids, Liquids, and Gases188Change of State189Expansion of Solids189Practical applications; questions for further investigation190Expansion of Liquids—applications192The Thermometer193Expansion of Air194Sources of Heat and Light194Notes for a Series of Lessons194Conduction—problems196Convection—problems, convection in gases; applications198Radiation of Heat—problems199Chapter XI. Form III: SpringWindow Boxes201Window Gardens201Suitable Plants; Fertilizer202Soil Studies—constituents203Garden Work206Tree Seeds207Transplanting—flowers, vegetables, tree seedlings208Budding209Cuttings—leaf cuttings, root cuttings, layering211Planting and Care of Herbaceous Perennials212Garden Studies—biennials212Wild Flowers213Study of the Trillium213Class-room lesson on the specimens213Adaptations of Animals215Bird Types217Woodpeckers—the downy woodpecker; observations217Flycatchers219Wrens219Insect Types220Cabbage-butterfly220Tussock-moth221Potato beetle222References222Fish—Observations; problems; references223Chapter XII. Form IV: AutumnGarden Work225Herbaceous Perennials from Seed226Trees—Deciduous; references227Trees in Relation to their Environment228Fruits—Excursion to a well-kept orchard229Small Fruits230Autumn Wild Flowers—Milkweed; correlations230Trees—The White Pine232Outline of a class-room lesson on the white pine; correlations; references235Apples—Comparative Lesson on Winter Varieties239King, Baldwin, Northern Spy239Codling moth; references240Some Common Animal Forms; references242Centipeds and millipeds243Salamanders or newts243Spiders244Bird Studies245Chapter XIII. Form IV: WinterForest Trees246Evergreens; Wood Specimens246Fruits247Weeds and Weed Seeds248Physical Science Phase of Nature Study248Water Pressure—exercises248Study of Air249The barometer; the common pump; expansive force of air; composition of air; oxygen; carbon dioxide; impurities of air250Solutions of Solids255Solutions of Liquids256Solutions of Gases256Limestone256Carbon257Hydrogen258Magnets258Electricity259Steam260Farm tools—machines; problems260Chapter XIV. Form IV: SpringMethod of Improving Home and School Grounds263Making and Care of a Lawn; References264Soil Studies265Weight265Subsoils266Fertilizers—experiments268Soil-forming Agents268Tilling the Soil269Garden Work—experiments in plots out-of-doors270Function of Parts of Plants273How the plant gets its food from the soil; germination of some of the common grains274Weeds278Vines279Wild Flowers279Planting of Trees, Shrubs, and HerbaceousPerennials in Home and School Grounds280Shade trees; transplanting281Animal Studies283Scale Insects283San José scale; oyster-shell bark-louse; cutworms; white grubs283Crayfish285Freshwater Mussel286Bird Study287Different Aspects of Nature Study288
This Manual is placed in the hands of the teachers in the hope that the suggestions which it contains on lesson topics, materials, books of reference, and methods in teaching will be found helpful to all teachers and in particular to those who have had little or no instruction in Nature Study during their academic or professional training.
The first Chapter of the Manual discusses topics which have general reference to the subject as a whole. The remaining part of the Manual deals more particularly with the subject in its application to the different Public and Separate School Forms. While this division of the matter into Forms is convenient for general classification, it is not to be regarded as arbitrary. Materials and methods of presentation suitable for one class of pupils in a certain Form might, under different conditions, be quite unsuitable for another class of pupils in the same Form. For example, work which would be suitable for a class in Form I made up of pupils admitted to a school at seven or eight years of age, after two years' training in a kindergarten where nature lessons received special attention, would not be suitable for a Form I class made up of pupils admitted to a school at five years of age with no such previous training. In selecting work for any class the teacher, therefore, should not be guided solely by the arbitrary divisions of the Manual, but should exercise his own judgment, taking into account his environment and the attainments of his pupils. To facilitate such a selection, page references are given in the details of the Course of Study, which in reality forms a detailed expansion of the Public and Separate School Course in Nature Study. By means of these references, the teacher may find, in any department of the subject, typical matter suited to the development of his pupils.
The numerous type lessons that are contained in the Manual are intended to suggest principles of method that are to be applied in lessons upon the same and similar topics, but the teacher is cautioned against attempting to imitate these lessons. This error can be avoided by the teacher's careful preparation of the lesson. This preparation should include the careful study of the concrete materials that are to be used. The books, bulletins, etc., that are named in the Manual as references will be found helpful.
To facilitate teaching through the experimental and investigation methods, special attention has been given to the improvising of simple apparatus from materials within the reach of every teacher.
From the character of the subject the Course of Study must be more or less elastic, and the topics detailed in the programme are intended to be suggestive rather than prescriptive. It may be that, owing to local conditions, topics not named are among the best that can be used, but all substitutions and changes should be made a subject of consultation with the Inspector. The treatment of the subject must always be suited to the age and experience of the pupils, to the seasons of the year, accessibility of materials, etc. Notes should not be dictated by the teacher. Mere information, whether from book, written note, or teacher, is not Nature Study. The acquisition of knowledge must be made secondary to awakening and maintaining the pupil's interest in nature and to training him to habits of observation and investigation.
As a guide to the minimum of work required, it is suggested that at least one lesson be taught from the subjects outlined under each general heading in the detailed Course of Study, with a minimum average of three lessons from the subjects under each general heading.
Garden Work and Garden Studies:
Division of the garden plots, removal of weeds and observations on these weeds, identification of garden plants, observation lessons based on garden plants, selection of seeds, harvesting and disposing of the crop. (See pp. 54-9.)
Study of Plants:
Class lessons based on a flowering garden plant, as pansy, aster, nasturtium; study of a field plant, as buttercup, goldenrod, dandelion. (See pp. 55-9.)
Potted and garden plants: Observation lesson based on a bulb; planting bulbs in pots, or in the garden. (See pp. 69-71.)
Birds and Conspicuous Insects:
Identification of a few common birds, as robin, English sparrow, meadow-lark; observation lessons on the habits of these birds; collection of the adult forms, the larvæ and the cocoons of a few common moths and butterflies, as emperor-moth, promothea moth, eastern swallow-tail butterfly. (See pp. 30-9 and 93-8.)
Common Trees:
Identification of a few common trees, as white pine, elm, maple; observations on the general shape, branches, leaves, and bark of these trees. (See pp. 62-7 and 79-82.)
Farm Animals, including Fowls:
Habits and characteristics of a few domestic animals, as horse, cow, sheep, hen, duck; the uses of these animals, and how to take care of them. (See pp. 83-6.)
Pet Animals:
Observations on the habits, movements, and characteristics of pet animals, as cat, pigeon, bantam, rabbit, etc.; conversations about the natural homes and habits of these animals, and inferences upon their care. (See pp. 72-7.)
Common Trees:
Observations on the branching of common trees. (See pp. 79-82.)
Garden Work:
Preparation, planting, and care of the garden plot; observations on the growing plants. (See pp. 87-90.)
Flowers:
Identification and study of a few spring flowers, as trillium, bloodroot, hepatica, spring-beauty. (See pp. 90-2.)
Birds and Insects:
Identification and study of the habits of a few common birds, as song-sparrow, blue-bird, wren; observations of the form and habits of a few common insects, as house-fly, dragon-fly. (See pp. 30-3 and 93-9.)
Common Trees:
Observations on the opening buds of the trees which were studied in the Autumn. (See p. 65.)
Birds and Insects:
Autumn migration of birds; identification and observations on the habits and movements of a few common insects, including their larval forms, as grasshopper, eastern swallow-tail butterfly. (See pp. 113-4 and 118-9.)
Animals of the Farm, Field, and Wood:
Observations on the homes and habits of wild animals, as frog, toad, squirrel, ground-hog; habits and structures, including adaptive features, of domestic animals, as dog, cat, horse, cow. (See pp. 83 and 123-30.)
Trees of the Farm, Roadside, Wood, and Orchard:
Observations on the shapes, sizes, rate of growth, and usefulness of common orchard, shade, and forest trees, as apple, elm, horse-chestnut. (See pp. 109-10.)
Wild Flowers and Weeds:
Identification and study of a few common weeds, noting their means of persistence and dispersal. (See pp. 139-40.)
Care of Potted and Garden Plants:
Preparation of pots and garden beds for bulbs; selecting and storing garden seeds; observations on the habits of climbing plants, and application of the knowledge gained to the care required for these plants. (See pp. 101-9 and 120.)
Birds:
Identification of winter birds and study of their means of protection and of obtaining food. (See pp. 130-2.)
Animals of the Farm:
Comparative study of the horse and cow, of the dog and cat, and of the duck and hen. (See pp. 123-8.)
Animals of the Park and Zoological Garden:
Observations on the general structural features, noting the natural adaptations of such animals as bear, lion, deer, tiger, etc. (See p. 132.)
Trees:
Winter study of trees, noting buds, branches, and foliage of spruce, cedar, horse-chestnut, etc. (See pp. 121-3.)
Birds and Insects:
Observations on the structure, adaptations anddevelopment of insect larvæ kept in an aquarium, as larva of mosquito, dragon-fly, caddice-fly; spring migration of birds. (See pp. 149-153.)
Animals of the Field and Woods:
Observations on the forms, homes, habits, and foods of wild animals, continued. (See pp. 114-8, 143-9.)
Orchard Trees:
The buds and blossoms of apple, and cherry or plum, observed through the stages up to fruit formation. (See pp. 141-3.)
Experiments in the Germination of Seeds:
Germination of seeds and general observations on the stages of development; testing the conditions required for seed germination; introductory exercises in soil study as a preparation for seed planting. (See pp. 133-8 and 112-3.)
Wild Flowers and Weeds:
Field and class-room study of marsh marigold, Jack-in-the-pulpit, violet, etc. (See pp. 139-40.)
Birds and Insects:
Observations on the habits and the ravages of common noxious insects, as cabbage-worm, grasshopper, tussock-moth, etc.; discussion of means of checking these insects. (See pp. 156-7 and 172-7.)
Farm and wild Animals of the Locality:
Field study and class-room lessons on the habits and structure, including adaptive features, of commonanimals, as musk-rat, fox, fish, sheep. (See pp. 99 and 183-5.)
Garden and experimental Plots:
Harvesting of garden and field crops; preparation of cuttings from geraniums, begonia, currant, etc.; identification of garden plants; seed dispersal. (See pp. 154, 179-80, and 164-8.)
Study of common Flowers, Trees, and Fruits:
Characteristics of annuals, biennials, and perennials; life histories of common plants, as sweet-pea, Indian corn, etc. (See pp. 158-64 and 168-70.)
Study of Weeds and their Eradication:
Identification of the common noxious weeds of the locality; collection, description, and identification of weed seeds; cause of the prevalence of the weeds studied, and means of checking them. (See pp. 164-8 and 170-2.)
Farm and wild Animals of the Locality:
Habits and instincts of common domestic animals, as fowls, sheep, and hogs; the economic values of these animals. (See pp. 185-8.)
Garden Work and experimental Plots:
The characteristics of common house plants, and care of these plants. (See pp. 178-9.)
Study of common Flowers, Trees, and Fruits:
Comparative study of common evergreens, as balsam, spruce, hemlock, etc.; collection of wood specimens. (See pp. 181-3.)
Observations of natural Phenomena:
Simple experiments to show the nature of solids, liquids, and gases. (See pp. 188-9.)
Heat Phenomena:
Source of heat, changes of volume in solids, liquids, and gases, accompanying changes in temperature; heat transmission; the thermometer and its uses. (See pp. 189-200.)
Birds and Insects:
Field and class lessons on the habits, movements, and foods of common birds, as crow, woodpecker, king-bird, phoebe, blackbird, etc. (See pp. 217-22.)
Garden Work and experimental Plots:
Care of garden plots; transplanting; testing best varieties; making of, and caring for, window boxes; propagation of plants by budding, cuttings, and layering. (See pp. 201-3 and 208-13.)
Common wild Flowers:
Field lessons on the habitat of common wild flowers; class-room study of the plant organs including floral organs; study of weeds and weed seeds continued, also the study of garden and field annuals, biennials, and perennials. (See Autumn.) (See pp. 170-2 and 212-5.)
Soil Studies and Experiments:
The components of soils, their origin, properties, and especially their water absorbing and retaining properties; the relation of soils to plant growth; experiments demonstrating the benefits of mulching and of drainage. (See pp. 203-6.)
Injurious and beneficial Insects and Birds:
Identification of common insects and observations on their habits; means of combating such insects, as codling moth, etc.; bird identification, and study of typical members of some common families, as woodpeckers, flycatchers; spiders. (See pp. 217-22 and 240-5.)
Ornamental and experimental Garden Plots:
Observations and conclusions based upon experimental plots; common shrubs, vines, and trees, and how to grow them. (See pp. 225-30 and 279.)
Functions of Plant Organs:
Simple experiments illustrating roots as organs of absorption, stems as organs of transmission, and leaves as organs of respiration, transpiration, and food building. (See pp. 273-8.)
Economic Study of Plants:
Comparative study of varieties of winter apples, of fall apples, or of other fruits of the locality; visits to orchards; weed studies continued. (See Form III.) (See pp. 229-30 and 239-40.)
Relation of Soil and Soil Tillage to Farm Crops:
Soil-forming agents, as running water, ice, frost, heat, wind, plants, and animals, and inferences as to methods of tillage. (See pp. 268-70.)
Air and Liquid Pressure:
Simple illustrations of the buoyancy of liquids and of air; simple tests to demonstrate that air fills space and exerts pressure; the application of air pressure in the barometer, the common pump, the bicycle tire, etc. (See pp. 248-52.)
Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide:
Generate each of these gases and test for properties, as colour, odour, combustion, action with lime-water; the place occupied by these gases in nature. (See pp. 252-5.)
Practical Application of Heat, Steam, and Electricity:
Making a simple voltaic cell, an electro-magnet, and a simple electroscope. Test the current by means of the two latter and also with an electric bell. Explain the application of the above in the electric telegraph and motor. Simple demonstration of pressure of steam; history and uses of the steam-engine. (See pp. 259-60.)
Injurious and beneficial Insects and Birds:
Identification of noxious insects and observations thereon; study of representatives of common families of birds, as thrushes, warblers, sparrows; economic values of birds. (See pp. 283-5 and 286-7.)
Aquatic Animals:
Observation exercises upon the habits, movements,and structures, including adaptive features of aquatic animals, as crayfish, mussel, tadpole, etc. (See pp. 285-6.)
Ornamental and experimental Garden Plots:
Experimental plots demonstrating the benefits of seed selection; ornamental plots of flowering perennials and bulbous plants; how to improve the school grounds and the home lawns. (See pp. 270-3 and 263-5.)
Tree Studies:
Comparison of the values of the common varieties of shade trees, how to plant and how to take care of shade trees. (See pp. 280-2.)
The Functions of Plant Organs:
Examination of the organs of common flowers; use of root, flower organs, fruit, and seed. (See pp. 273-8.)
Economic Study of Plants:
Plants of the lawn and garden; weed studies. (See pp. 263-5, 270-3, and 278-9.)
Relation of Soil and Soil Tillage to Farm Crops:
Study of subsoils; capillarity in soils; benefits of crop rotations and mulching; experiments in fertilizing, mulching, depth of planting, and closeness of planting. (See pp. 265-7.)