In selecting an equipment, its wearing qualities and working possibilities must be considered. Often a simple inexpensive tool will serve the purpose and last as long as a more expensive one. Then, again, it is better economy to pay more for an article known to be the best. Expe- rience in the class-room is the best way to determine the best kinds of equipments to buy, and only those of experience ought to undertake the responsibility. Many complete lists of equipment are published, but most of them include unnecessary utensils that may easily be omitted. The cost of equipping a school depends upon the number of students to provide for, on the kind of equip- ment, and upon the methods of work. The number to be equipped for depends upon the size of the school classes. The ideal class averages 16, but this is practically impossible in most schools, and an equip- ment for 24 is more commonly used. Classes larger than 24 are to be avoided. Work is conducted by the group method (girls working in groups of four), or the individual method, each working (332) DOMESTIC SCIENCE EQUIPMENT 333 alone, or in pairs. In the group method larger and fewer utensils are needed. In the individual method smaller utensils are used and they need to be duplicated for each girl. A combination of the two methods, or where girls work in pairs, permits the use of larger proportions than in the individual method and at the same time gives each girl responsibility in the work. An equipment that per- mits both methods to be used at times is much the best. Tables may be separate group tables for four pupils, or a long continuous table with places for working on either side or arranged in the form of an oblong or hollow square. The smaller tables are less expensive, are best adapted to the group method, but necessitate much walking on the part of the teacher, since half the class stand with their backs to her. The hollow square or oblong is best adapted to classes of younger pupils, is better for demonstration work, and is more generally used. Tables are best made of hardwood, finely polished, with drawers, lockers, molding, and hot-plate boards. Table Tops. — The tops of the tables may be made of various materials. (1) Selected white maple with a fine hard finish gives the best service and its use teaches girls how to care for tables like those usually found at home. (2) White enameled iron tops do not break or warp and are attractive, sanitary, and easily cleaned, but more expensive. (3) Zinc-covered tops are good when new, but they warp easily, are more difficult to keep clean, and must be repaired as soon as the zinc breaks. (4) Glass tops are not practical ; they crack easily from the heat of the small stove, and are too expensive. Small gas burners on the tops of the tables are used, a burner for each girl. The attachments must be permanent. 334 DOMESTIC SCIENCE and there should be as Httle piping on top of the table as possible. Avoid the use of rubber tubing. Floors are best covered with linoleum, but this is expen- sive. Good hardwood floors, oiled, and kept in good con- dition, are satisfactory and more practical. Tiled floors are easily kept clean, but are very hard to stand on and are therefore not to be recommended.

AI-modernized reading of the original text

In selecting an equipment, its wearing qualities and working possibilities must be considered. Often a simple inexpensive tool will serve the purpose and last as long as a more expensive one. Then, again, it is better economy to pay more for an article known to be the best. Experience in the class-room is the best way to determine the best kinds of equipments to buy, and only those of experience ought to undertake the responsibility. Many complete lists of equipment are published, but most of them include unnecessary utensils that may easily be omitted. The cost of equipping a school depends upon the number of students to provide for, on the kind of equipment, and upon the methods of work. The number to be equipped for depends upon the size of the school classes. The ideal class averages 16, but this is practically impossible in most schools, and an equipment for 24 is more commonly used. Classes larger than 24 are to be avoided. Work is conducted by the group method (girls working in groups of four), or the individual method, each working (332) DOMESTIC SCIENCE EQUIPMENT 333 alone, or in pairs. In the group method larger and fewer utensils are needed. In the individual method smaller utensils are used and they need to be duplicated for each girl. A combination of the two methods, or where girls work in pairs, permits the use of larger proportions than in the individual method and at the same time gives each girl responsibility in the work. An equipment that permits both methods to be used at times is much the best. Tables may be separate group tables for four pupils, or a long continuous table with places for working on either side or arranged in the form of an oblong or hollow square. The smaller tables are less expensive, are best adapted to the group method, but necessitate much walking on the part of the teacher, since half the class stand with their backs to her. The hollow square or oblong is best adapted to classes of younger pupils, is better for demonstration work, and is more generally used. Tables are best made of hardwood, finely polished, with drawers, lockers, molding, and hot-plate boards. Table Tops. — The tops of the tables may be made of various materials. (1) Selected white maple with a fine hard finish gives the best service and its use teaches girls how to care for tables like those usually found at home. (2) White enameled iron tops do not break or warp and are attractive, sanitary, and easily cleaned, but more expensive. (3) Zinc-covered tops are good when new, but they warp easily, are more difficult to keep clean, and must be repaired as soon as the zinc breaks. (4) Glass tops are not practical ; they crack easily from the heat of the small stove, and are too expensive. Small gas burners on the tops of the tables are used, a burner for each girl. The attachments must be permanent. and there should be as little piping on top of the table as possible. Avoid the use of rubber tubing. Floors are best covered with linoleum, but this is expensive. Good hardwood floors, oiled, and kept in good condition, are satisfactory and more practical. Tiled floors are easily kept clean, but are very hard to stand on and are therefore not to be recommended.

Domestic science, principles and application