Morris tribune. [volume] (Morris, Minn.) 1880-2000, 1912-01-19
2 2 2 2 = 2" ," :" = = y 2" e
Domestic Science
in Rural Schools.
BY Miss Mary L. Bull, Exten.
sion Division, Minnesota Az
ricuIturaI College.

u SSiiOSS'
+ i. i. i. i. i. \ j. !. i. !. j. !. j. i. 1. +
There are few people, even in this
day, who do not appreciate the value
of home economics courses in our
schools; who believe that the only
place for girl to learn breadmaking
and other housewifely duties is at her
mothers side; and that, because OF
the fact that she is woman, she will
by intuition be able to perform, in a
creditable manner, the manifold duties
that fall to the lot Of the homemaker
We are glad that men and women
are coming to realize that girls should
receive some special training in sub
jects which relate SO closely to home
and family as do the air we breathe,
the water we drink and the food we
eat
Many graded schools, high schools
and colleges have established courses
in home economics, domestic science
and art. But there ia still the rural
school, which has little, if any. work
along these lines When we think
how large proportion of students in
rural schools never attend school else
whore, and who therefore have no op-
pOrtunity to study the subjects which
underlie homemaking, this seems a
mistake. :.
The possibility and practicability of
introducing some such subjects in the
rural schools is questioned both by
teachers and parents. Some evea
question the benefit to be derived from
such work, provided it could be car
rfed on, -.ess
One OF the benefits to be obtained
from a study Of domestic science was
well brought out In a conversation
with young woman who is practical
homemaker, as well as a student and
teacher. In speaking of the amount
OF time spent in the study of the prin-
cfpleB underlying household subjects,
she said: "Such study seems most
necessary to me, because it, makes the
practical work SO much more interest
ing. I thoroughly enjoy doing GER
tain piece of work, when understand
the reasons for doing it. in a given
manner. and what results to expect
II / carry out given rules and obey
certain laws" <'s.
The more thoroughly any line of
work is understood, the more enjoy
ment is derived from performing such
work. If girl understands that IS
degrees F.. is the temperature best
suited to successful breadmaking, be-
cause this temperature is not con-
ducive to the growth Of foreign fer
ments, but is the degree. of heat best
suited to normal growth of yeast
plants-if she knows that a less de-
gree of heat would retard their devel-
opment, and so affect the quality of
her bread-she will be more apt to
realize the Importance of producing
and maintaining the proper tempera-
ture during the process. If she under
stands that poor bread is not due to
dad luck" but to poor management,
she will take greater pride in being
better manager.
It may not everywhere be possible
or advisable to try to do much, If any,
actual cooking in the rural school;
but some study, OF the subject, show
ing in a simple way the relation Of
food to health, might be carried on
with benefit to ALL
There are many readable and easily
understandable bulletins, which may
be obtained free of charge for the
asking, from the United States depart
ment of agriculture, Washington, D. c.
From these the teacher may CLEAN
many interesting facts for her chill
dren. One on vegetables, giving their
cook them to retain most of the food
value, ETC., could be used to advantage
to follow a lesson on potatoes, their
growth, cultivation, etc.
What and how much domestic sci
ence work can be carried on in the
rural school depends, in large meas
Ure, upon the attitude of the teacher
and the readiness OF the parents to
lend a helping hand and give an en-
couraging word.
The idea Of preparing at school
some simple hot dish, to serve with
the MONDAY lunch, is one which, If
carried out. might lead to more inter
est and better understanding Of
foods and their use in the body. A
number OF young women in the state
are trying this plan. One, in writing
Of the plan as tried in her school.
said: ''Of course there is some extra
planning attending the preparation
and serving of hot dish, but the re-
suits warrant the exertion. The chill