Interesting to see what doesn’t change and what changes a lot.  This public school exam for second graders from the collection at the Society of California Pioneers gives a fascinating look into what was deemed important in 1870.  Borax, the ruler of Prussia, gold-bearing quartz — just what your average second grader needs to know.  I especially like the metaphysical-sounding questions nested among the direct “Describe the process of digestion,” questions,  such as “What is true politeness?” and “Tell how you can be guilty of falsehood without speaking.”  Next post:  a first grade spelling test.   -Wendy