SCIENCE IN THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 5

flective thinking and develop the scientific attitude, who use
an increasing degree of self control, who enjoy the processes
and products of creative effort, and who are developing life
interests, it is clear at once from the previous description of the
purposes of instruction in science that science does make a large
contribution toward the accomplishment of each of the aims. A
brief analysis of the contribution to each aim follows:
 A. Developing social meaning. One quality essential for
democratic living is the disposition to act for the good of the
group and the ability to identify individual good with group
good. Science helps children develop this quality through lead-
ing them to look for reasons behind the regulations of group
living. Thus such regulations as those on the use of swimming
pools, on quarantines regarding communicable diseases, on gar-
bage disposal, all become meaningful when the reasons are
understood. Science enlarges the understandings people have
in common and therefore, makes it easier for them to live co-
operatively. Furthermore, through science, children grasp the
fact that continued invention and discovery mean continued
gradual changes in our ways of living, that change is normal
and not to be feared. For instance, the research regarding
hybrid corn means that the farmer of today does not farm in
just the same way men of a few years ago did. The rapid im-
provements in means of communication and transportation re-
sult in an urgent need to find ways of understanding neighbors
who just yesterday seemed remote and isolated.
 B. Developing functional skills. Through science experi-
ences, a child acquires understandings and skills that are of use
to himself and to others. He comes to attach correct meanings
to aspects of the environment, whether natural environment or
the products of scientific invention and discovery, and is there-
fore in a position to act intelligently. Thus the child who knows
the relation of air to fire when clothing is ablaze can act with
"foresight of consequences" both for his own safety and that of
others.
 Science instruction also helps a child develop skill in the
techniques of testing thought and of collecting evidence from
a variety of sources. This problem solving skill is useful in all
realms of study.
 Science makes a tremendous contribution to the functional
skill of reading. Out of the wealth of first hand experiences,
careful observation, use of pictures, and vital discussion come
genuinely understood meanings which in turn are represented
by an increasing vocabulary. As Emerson observed, "Life is
our dictionary-Life lies behind us as the quarry from whence
we get tiles and capestones for the masonry of today".