68 TEACHING SCIENCE IN THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

 Globes and maps are frequently needed. A globe is espe-
cially important when studying seasonal changes or night and
day. Maps are needed in the study of climate and natural re-
sources.
 School rooms should have adequate closet or cabinet space,
for the storage of equipment and supplies. This need should be
kept in mind when planning new school buildings. A counter-
height, wide shelf could be built along the rear wall of the room,
with storage space or cabinets underneath. The counters can
be used as work space for the children and the cabinets will hold
equipment. Over the counters open shelves and tackboard space
can be used for display and for reference books.

Materials For Experiments:
 Equipment frequently used should be stored in the room,
while materials used occasionally can be stored in a central place,
making it possible for the same materials to serve several class-
rooms at a different time. The material may be stored in the
library or the principal's office, if there is no central library, and
charged out to the teacher as she needs it.
 A large part of the necessary equipment needed for experi-
mentation can be secured from the local environment at little or
no cost. Expense of equipment is not a handicap to elementary
science instruction. Collecting of the equipment should be a
cooperative undertaking of the teacher and the children. Most
of the materials can be brought in by pupils, some will need to
be purchased locally, and just a few items will need to be ordered
from science supply companies. In some cases simple apparatus
can be constructed by pupils. Jars, jugs, bottles of different
sizes, saucers, plates, tin cans, flower pots, glasses, pieces of wire,
corks, pliers, and other simple tools should be kept on hand and
ready for use.
 There are two types of science materials; those used a few
times during the year, which should be borrowed, and those that
are needed frequently, which ought to be obtained for the room.
In the list following the items starred are those which are used
most frequently. It is suggested that the teacher keep a "ready
box" containing these items available at all times.
 Care of equipment is important, as it will become damaged
or misplaced unless properly used and stored. Every piece of
equipment should have a definite place to be kept when not in
use. A simple system of organization will facilitate use, with
boxes labeled with such titles as, Electrical Supplies, Glass. Ordi-
narily cardboard boxes plain or enameled, make good attractive
containers.