258 3.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL EDUCATION At the beginning of every laboratory course there should
be a sufficient use of the demonstration method to acquaint the pupils with apparatus and with some of the accepted methods ~f experimentation. Following this period of orientation, the pupIl should be allowed to perform some exercises individually in order to acquire, early in the course, desirable manipulatory skills and
laboratory technics and habits. 4. The time saved in each course by the use of the demonstration method should be used for other types of learning exercises, which might include additional laboratory exercises. reading projects, individual investigations, observations, and drill upon essentials. 5. Among the exercises to be demonstrated in each course should be those which are dangerous if performed carelessly or unskillfully, at least some of those requiring delicate manipulation and accurate observation, and those requiring special, expensive apparatus. 6. In general, especially with the more elementary courses and the younger or less capable pupils, demonstrations by the teacher
are likely to prove more effective than those by pupils, unless the teacher supervises the pupils' demonstrations very closely.
Even though there has been a great deal of research on this subject, we will have to admit that it does not furnish any conclusive proof that learning values will not be sacrificed if wc substitute demonstrations entirely for individual exercises. All of us know that science teaching should do much morc than impart a knowledge of facts. If we are to seek to realize such generally accepted aims as (a) understanding of and ability to use scientific principles, (b) understandll1g of and ability to use the scientific method, or (c) acquisi~ tion of scientific attitudes, we may rightly contend that the individual method yields values not produced by demonstrations alone.
Fifth SUJmner Conference of the N.E.A.C.T. Preli1ninary A nnou.ncemeni
Completion of plans for the Fifth Summer Conference was delayed because of difficulty in locating an available institution with facilities adequate for the Conference. The Committee was confronted with a difficult problem when Massachusetts State College, because of the pressure of war activities and the presence of units of the armed services on its campus, was forced to withdraw its cordial invitation to the N.E.A.C.T. Mter a prolonged search, the Committee is happy to report that it has accepted the generous offer of Phillips Academy, Andover, Massachusetts, of the use of their facilities, and that the Conference has been scheduled for the last week-end in August, Friday evening to Monday night-August 27, 28, 29, and 30, 1943. Phillips Academy (founded in 1778) is one of the oldest and most distinguished private preparatory schools in America, with a campus which is noted for its spaciousness and beauty. The dormitories, laboratories, and recreational facilities, including an indoor and an outdoor swimming pool, have aU been made available for the Conference. Andover is a charming old New England town twenty-three miles north of Boston on the Western Division of the Boston and Maine Railroad, and has good train and bus service. Thus there will be no need for those who plan to attend to depend on automobile transportation. The cost of meals and lodging for each day will be 2.25 with adjustment for part-days. All members in attendance and guests must register to help carry the expenses of the conference. The schedule of registration fees is as follows: Members: Non-Members:
$3.00 if paid before August 1st $4.00 if paid after August lst $6.()(}-----{:arries membership in the N.E.A.C.T. including a subscription to the JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL EDUCATION
Fllm·ily or Guest fee:
81.00 (for non-professional persons only)
The first session will convene on Friday evening, August 27, and will be followed by eight morning, afternoon, and evening sessions; on the Sunday morning program, time for church attendance will be allotted. Weather pennitting, the Snnday evening meal will be a New England Picnic Supper in the ninety-acre Cochran Bird Sanctuary adjacent to the campus. Representatives of textbook publishers and dealers in laboratory equipment will be furnished space for exhibits, and it is planned to schedule time in the program for inspection of these worth-while displays. The program will be centered on, but not limited to, two main themes: (1) strategic materials, and (2) chemistry teaching and the war effort. Under the latter topic considerable attention 'vill be devoted to participation of chemistry teachers in Civilian Defense activities. It is also planned to offer a work-shop on lecture demonstrations to run throughout the Conference. While the summer conferences of the N.E.A.C.T. are held primarily for the benefit of the members of the Association, anyone interested will be heartily "Yelcorned. Families of teachers will find much of interest in Andover and the surrounding countryside. The Addison Gallery of American Art and the Archaeology Museum, on the Phillips Academy campus, are outstanding in their fields. Attendance of non-professional guests of members is encouraged. Communications concerning the conference should be addressed to the committee secretary, Amasa F. Williston. B. M. C. Durfee High School, Fall River, Massachusetts. LAURENCE
S.
FOSTER
(For the Committee)
