
Transcriber's Note:
Disclaimer:
NEW-WORLD SCIENCE SERIES - Edited by John W. Ritchie
NEW-WORLD SCIENCE SERIES - Edited by John W. Ritchie - COMMON SCIENCE - by - Carleton W. Washburne
WORLD BOOK COMPANY - THE HOUSE OF APPLIED KNOWLEDGE
PREFACE
TO THE TEACHER
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
COMMON SCIENCE - CHAPTER ONE - GRAVITATION
CHAPTER TWO - MOLECULAR ATTRACTION
Rooted in the genuine curiosity of elementary students, this guide begins with a collection of roughly two thousand questions that children actually asked about the world around them. Rather than imposing a preset curriculum, the author lets those questions shape the structure, arranging them into the scientific principles needed for clear answers. The result is a learning path that feels natural, inviting young minds to explore the “why” behind everyday phenomena.
The book covers a wide spectrum—simple physics, bright‑lit astronomy, basic chemistry, and the wonders of weather, volcanoes, and earthquakes—while weaving in biology and hygiene where they naturally fit. Explanations stay qualitative and approachable, steering clear of heavy mathematics and instead focusing on vivid, relatable examples. Safety notes are woven throughout, reminding readers that some historic experiments are best left to the laboratory, not the kitchen.
Designed for classroom use, the text reflects modern educational research that values student‑driven inquiry over rote instruction. Its clear language and engaging question‑answer format aim to spark lasting interest in science, showing how everyday observations can lead to deeper understanding.
Language
en
Duration
~9 hours (544K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by David Garcia, Simon Gardner and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net
Release date
2009-08-28
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1889–1968
Best known for developing the Winnetka Plan, this American educator pushed for classrooms that respected individual pace while still making room for creativity and social growth. His ideas helped shape progressive education in the United States and beyond.
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