64 TEACHING SCIENCE IN THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

E. Leads Growing Out of the Weather Study
 In the study of the changing weather as it affects our ways
of living, many things other than science will be taught as it is
impossible, and not to be desired, to separate and divide the
areas of learning.
 Teachers and their classes will be able to use and pursue
leads suggested to them in their own study, and here only a few
possible ones are offered.
 In the thermometer experiments and activities an excellent
opportunity for teaching arithmetic arises, and it can be carried
as far as the interest and the ability of the class make it prac-
tical. The relationship of numbers to everyday experiences is
a valuable thing for the children to see.
 From a field trip, a study of bird's nests (homes of animals
in general) contributes to the understandings of how animals
protect themselves from the weather. People also protect them-
selves from the weather by building homes which might suggest
a further study of materials of homes, how and where obtained,
and how constructed.
 Throughout all this study the language arts play an im-
portant part. The discussion, the planning, and the experiment-
ing give opportunity for both oral and written language, in-
cluding drawings, diagrams and charts.

F. Evaluation
 I. Immediate outcomes-understandings
 a. A thermometer shows the degree of temperatures.
 b. It is better to use a thermometer than to guess about the tem-
 perature.
 c. Water evaporates more rapidly when the weather is hot and dry.
 d. Heat makes ice melt.
 e. There is water in the air.
 f. When warm air is chilled, moisture condenses.
 g. Water goes into air by evaporation.
 h. We cannot see moisture in the air unless it is condensed in some
 form such as clouds, fog, rain, snow, etc.
 i. Plants need sunshine and moisture.
 j. Sometimes wind helps us and sometimes it harms us.
 k. It is important to know about the temperature so that we may
 know what kind of clothing to wear. Weather conditions affect
 our work and play.
 II. Long range evaluation
 Can you see that:
 a. there has been critical thinking by the group?
 b. the group has found that they cannot guess the answers?
 c. there has been social sharing of experiences?
 d. the study has given more confidence in the use of scientific ma-
 terial?
 e. the unit has been a part of the child's total living and not apart
 from the rest of his day?
 b. the children use the knowledge in their every day living?
 g. they are eager to gather more information?