Handbook Of Nature Study

Description

On a warm spring morning I dawdle here and there along the path toward the one-room schoolhouse, watching the birds feed their little ones, finding different kinds of wildflowers, viewing a battle between two beetles. Here's a plant I've never noticed before. I'll show it to Mrs. Brown - she'll know what it is... Such are the images that come to mind as I browse through this book. The late Anna Comstock, a professor of nature study at Cornell University, wrote in such a charming, descriptive manner that it is easy to visualize such things as a bumblebee gathering nectar or a raccoon settling on a branch for an afternoon nap. This 887-page volume, originally published in 1911 (updated in 1939), was designed for use by elementary school teachers with little knowledge of nature. Engaging background information is provided, and 232 lesson plans are supplied. Lesson plans are structured with a leading thought followed by a method to demonstrate the leading thought. Several discussion questions follow, generally based on observations made. (Note: lesson plans will be somewhat difficult to implement in urban surroundings). Subjects covered include the teaching of nature study, animals, plants, and earth and sky. Black and white photographs and drawings are abundant. Use as a stand-alone science course, or as a reference. Whether you live in the city or country, this book will open your eyes to the world around you. Our HANDPK below includes an 8 1/2½ x 11" horizontal format Notesketch pad (see Art section) that will be excellent for your nature observations and sketches.

Teaching Method
Traditional
Teacher-centered curriculum commonly used in classrooms that may include a text, teacher manual, tests, etc.
Charlotte Mason
A methodology based on the work of a 19th century educator who maintained that children learn best from literature (Living Books), not textbooks.
Classical
A methodology based on the Latin Trivium (three stages of learning), including the grammar stage (memorization and facts), logic stage (critical thinking), and rhetoric stage (developing/defending ideas).
Unit Study
A thematic or topical approach centered around one topic that integrates multiple subject areas.
Montessori (Discovery)
A methodology based on the work of a 20th century educator that emphasizes student and sensory-driven discovery learning and real-life applications.
Religious Content
Christian/Religious
Faith-based or including instructional religious content.
Neutral
Avoids religious or theoretical topics or presents multiple viewpoints without preference.
Secular
Contains content contrary to common Christian beliefs (i.e. evolution).
Learning Modality
Auditory
Learns through listening, talking out loud or reading out loud.
Visual
Learns through seeing, prefers written instructions and visual materials.
Kinesthetic/Tactile (Hands-On)
Learns through moving, doing and touching.
Multi-Sensory
Curriculum that employ a variety of activities/components.
Presentation
Sequential
Curriculum progresses through well-defined learning objectives. Emphasizes mastery before moving to the next topic.
Spiral
Topics and concepts are repeated from level to level, adding more depth at each pass and connecting with review.
Conceptual/Topical
Focus is on the “why,” often with a unifying concept as well as specific skills; coverage may be broader.
Teacher Involvement
Low Teacher Involvement
Student-led materials; parent acts as a facilitator.
Medium Teacher Involvement
A mix of teacher-led time and independent student work.
High Teacher Involvement
Teacher-led lessons; may utilize discussions, hands-on activities and working together.
Additional Materials Required
No other materials needed
Everything you need is included.
Other Materials Required
There are additional required resources that are a separate purchase.
Other Materials Optional
There are additional resources mentioned or recommended but are not absolutely necessary.
Consumable
Consumable
Designed to be written in; not reusable.
Non-Consumable
Not designed to be written in; reusable.