Mechanical science methods

Preface

This text on methods of teaching Mechanical Science is a revision and elaboration of "Notes for Teachers" first published in 1908. The previous edition gives fairly complete directions for teaching this subject as practiced by those who have had opportunity to study this system under the personal instruction of the author. This revision is necessitated by the large number of persons who are using the texts and wish complete methods of instruction and yet are unable to make a thoro study of this system under the personal directions of some one well experienced in teaching Mechanical Science.

In writing a text on methods for a subject so new and unfamiliar as is the subject of Mechanical Science to most teachers and administrators it has been thought necessary to always keep this condition in mind. Because of this lack of knowledge of subject matter on the part of many who will use this text to gain information in regard to the Mechanical Science work, the author has included many statemerits and paragraphs that would, under usual conditions, not be found in a text on methods.

The Mechanical Science work has reached its present very important position thru such a determined effort on the part of theorists to prove that it could not succeed that it has been most thoroly winnowed with the result, at this time, that its methods and subject matter are as thoroly established and as dependable as those of other subjects. The Mechanical Science work can be placed in any school in charge of a competent instructor with as full assurance of success as can be the case with any other subject of the curriculum.

Two arguments have been most persistantly used against this system. These arguments are mentioned because they persist even after every scintilla of sense has been taken from them by many actual demonstrations. The first is that the exceptional success of the Mechanical Science work is due entirely to the exceptional personality of the author, and that no one else could follow his methods. The work of Mr. Seidell's pupils has unquestionably dcmonstiatcd that the methods he employs can be learned and used successfully by others. In fact his pupils get substantially as good results as he.

The second argument against this system was advanced while Mr. Selden was emplyed in one of the great teacher training schools with only a private high school in which to demonstrate the work. "Such methods would not be possible in the public schools" was the criticism.

There are at this time teachers of Mechanical Science employed in every grade of the public schools from the smallest one room rural schools to the large special departments of city schools and the success of the system is fully sustained in all these various grades and under all these greatly varying conditions.

In these schools the Mechanical Science work has displaced the work of every one of the schools usually considered as the leading schools in fitting teachers for the special lines of shop work, and in no case can it be found that either patrons, pupils, or administrators wish to return to the other systems of work. If this is not evidence enuf that the Mechanical Science work is practical and that it can be taught by any teacher who will make a reasonable effort to learn the system, then demonstrations must be considered useless.

No doubt much of the criticism of this system results from not realizing that it is a development so far in advance of any other system as to be in a class by itself, and that it must be studied from that standpoint and not by comparing it with some other system that may have some features that appear by superficial observation to be the same or similar.

After all explanations have been given and one's best efforts put forth to understand the place in school, and methods of teaching this subject; there will, no doubt, be statements that will not be understood and questions as to the propriety or possibility of using such subject matter and methods in the public schools. Should anyone reach that state of mind, they ought not to overlook the fact that the Mechanical Science work is now firmly established in a fairly large number of schools and that whereever it has been permitted a fair trial it has given exceptionally satisfactory results. The wise course to pursue, therefore, in regard to matters of doubt would be to reserve final judgment until securing more complete information. Such information will be furnished freely by the publishers of the Mechanical Science texts or by the author in response to personal letters stating definitely on what detail information is desired.

A matter of interest and also of considerable importance to those who use this text is the fact that no longer are the Mechanical Science texts the work of only one person. Since " Notes for Teachers' was published the author has received much valuable assistance from those using these texts and to his many faithful students who have aided in making the work what it now is he here records his sincere appreciation. To his present assistant, Mr. J. W. Wunn, who has given much time in assisting in the preparation of this text very personal acknowledgements are due.

Contents

Preface

Page

General Methods 9

Part Two

Two will probably be ready in October and will cover in a very complete manner the theory of ort ! ojections and isometric. It will con-

complete set of sample drawings, mostly actual reproductions of pupil's work supplying the ;• as well as pupils with reasonable standards idy. Several of those drawings are for shop in constructing very desirable modifications of given in the text on cabinetwork. Other parts covering the remainder of the usual ■«>1 work in mechanical drawing will follow.

Elementary Cabinetwork

This text, the fourth of The Mechanical Science Series, covers the first studies in cabinetwork. A large number of problems are given in a very complete manner. Many of the objects are shown in picture and in orthographic projection with details.

There are many suggestions as to modifications and original designs with such complete information in the text on all details of construction as is needed to lead the pupil to individual effort.

The text thruout emphasizes the doing of every part of the work accurately the first time, thus leading to exceptional speed and that deep interest that comes from a realization of success and mastery.

Home Mechanic's Book

This text is especially useful for the home mechanic as it gives in complete detail just the information that is likely to be needed, and has a complete index that makes easy the finding of any information desired.

This information in regard to laying out work, clamping parts together, finishing, making tops, making drawers, paneling etc., is in addition to the directions for making the various projects and the complete working drawings and pictorial illustrations.

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