VITALIZING THE CLASSROOM

IN CONSIDERING the classifications of instructional materials, objects may be defined as the actual things them selves. A leaf, an insect, or a tool are all examples of the real objects which pupils may handle and study. Speci mens are materials, entire or in part, which are prepared and used as ex amples of objects for study. A piece of wood, a rock, or a mounted bird are all parts of actual objects brought to the classroom for study. The line of demar cation may, at times, not be too clear, and the definition will depend on the conditions surrounding the use of this material. Since there is a great deal of overlapping of these two types of con crete materials, the selection and use of objects and specimens will be con sidered together. Although objects and specimens have great value in the field of science teach ing, their use is not restricted to that area of instruction. Pestalozzi's revolu tionary methods of teaching were based on the use of these materials. And modern teachers in all areas and at all levels of instruction still depend, in a large measure, on the use of objects and specimens in their organization of the learning experiences for their pu-