NIMALS

GENERAL METHOD FOR FIELD WORK

The best method for studying wild animals is to assign to each pupil
some animal as his particular subject of study.

Begin by finding out from the pupils the wild animals that each one
knows to be near his home, and assign to each pupil a number of problems
on the animal which is most convenient for him to study.

In some cases, only one pupil will be studying a particular kind of
animal, while in other cases several pupils may be studying the same
kind of animal. The latter method has the advantage of giving
opportunity for comparison of results. Differences should serve as
stimuli to more careful observation, in order to verify or disprove
previous conclusions.

The observations and inferences, together with drawings illustrating the
animals, their homes, etc., are recorded in the Nature Study note-books.
These are discussed in the class, verified or corrected, and
supplemented by descriptions of lives and habits of the animals from
nature writers or naturalists, such as Charles G. D. Roberts, Ernest
Thompson-Seton, etc.

When pupils become interested in this form of study, they become nature
students in the true meaning of the term. The pupil is brought into
contact with the animal in its natural environment and, under these
conditions, the natural habits, interests, and activities of the wild
creatures are more likely to appeal to the sympathy of child nature than
under any other method of study. The method has also the advantage of
being one of original discovery, and consequently it trains in
self-reliance and independence of thought.

Finally, since close and careful observation is necessary, the child
learns that it is unwise to alarm the animal, and thus a better
relationship between child life and animal life is fostered.

It may be objected that this method is slow and that little is
accomplished. This may be true from the view-point of matter learned,
but from the view-point of child training more can be accomplished from
the study of a single living animal than from the study of a score of
pictures or stuffed skins.

A second method that is recommended is the study of tame animals. By
conversations with the boys of the school the teacher will find what
tame squirrels, ground-hogs, raccoons, foxes, and other animals are
available for class-room work. The possessors of these animals are
usually quite willing to bring them to school for the class to study.