Nature Study by Months Volume 1 (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1898 Excerpt: ...different colors may be shown to illustrate some of the valuable uses; e.g., amethyst, rock crystals, smoky quartz, agate, etc.; and perhaps some of the children may be able to contribute illustrations. Where can quartz be found? In the rocks that are called granites, in large lumps found in stone walls, etc.; in sand it is the main substance. This will lead to collecting granites and sand. It will be found helpful to let the children get small pasteboard boxes in which to keep their minerals as studied; this plan facilitates comparison. Boxes of miscellaneous specimens as brought in can be used for exercises in sorting, which is a valuable way of teaching discrimination. The common metals may be collected and distinguished by name, a list placed on the board, a search made for different metals found about the schoolroom or building. Iron in all forms is attracted by the magnet. Tinfoil and tin plate are known by their color, but the magnet attracts the latter because the tin is used for coating iron plate. Lead is known by its color, softness, and the ease with which it bends. The metals are flexible, and many uses result from this property of bending and remaining bent. Steel needles, knife-blades, and springs are elastic; they would lose their usefulness if flexible. Copper is known by its red color, and many uses can be thought out; it is flexible. Zinc is bluish, and has some common uses that are easily noticed. Other metals may be treated in the same manner, the main object being to teach to distinguish by some characteristic property; and the use emphasizes the point. Practice in sorting is particularly helpful. FOURTH YEAR. The purpose of this year's work is the enlargement of the thoughts of the previous year. Natural Phenomena. The weather record ...