Suggested graduating exercises for an agricultural high school

Abstract

Why not use the commencement time at a high school to let the people of the community know more about the school and its accomplishments? Let the students have on exhibition many products of their work. Topics may be presented by the students with much interest to the patrons of the school. Why, then, should the school import platform speakers to address the people? Why should the graduates sit up like dolls on the stage, with nothing to do but to bow sweetly when the diplomas are handed out? The plan here suggested is to let each student occupy five or ten minutes for the presentation of one topic well prepared in advance. If the class is too large, choose enough to give a good program. Each should use the charts, illustrative material, and apparatus necessary to bring out a valuable lesson. Never make the presentation abstract; always show something or perform something definite which will interest the audience. The discussions should not be read or memorized, but informal after careful preparation. The agricultural topics given here are by members of the 1923 Spring Quarter class in agricultural methods in George Peabody College for Teachers. Initials are signed to the various suggestions. Care of Farm Tools.-Let the student have a plow and some paint and a brush. He may give some interesting figures on the cost of depreciation of farm machinery in one year. He should paint at least a part of a plow and give the cost of all material used; then grease the iron or steel parts. T. J. B. Planning a Sweet Potato House.-The student may have a chart or blue print of the house, showing all dimensions. As he explains the chart, he may point to the particular parts under discussion. Give the advantages of a good potato house. T. J. B. How to Prune.-Let the student have a tree on the stage. Tell when and how and what to cut. Paint the wounds. Give the reasons for every step. T. J. B. Testing Soil for Acidity.-Provide a Truog tester, with supplies of barium chloride and zinc sulphide, acetate of lead paper, alcohol lamp, and ring stand. Secure samples of soil from farms of well-