SCIENCE & CULTURE
Our Window to the World
Dr. Montessori often referred to the study of Science and Culture as “Cosmic Education” and included activities in Botany, Zoology, Geography, History, Culture, Art, and Music: activities that brought life and richness to the Montessori environment. These are the lessons that connect a child with the greater world and give him or her a “cosmic” view of the universe. The activities in these areas are designed to be fun, engaging, creative, and intriguing. They are not viewed as extra-curricular activities that take a back seat to the more “important” academic work elsewhere in the classroom, but are instead a living and central part of the environment.
- Science – Living/Non-Living activities; Plant and Animal nomenclature via the Botany Cabinet (Leaf Shape Insets and Frames; Leaf, Tree, and Flower puzzles) and Animal Puzzles (Fish, Horse, Frog, Bird, Turtle, Butterfly, etc.); Rocks and Minerals; Magnetic/Non-Magnetic; Sink/Float; the Solar System; and Simple Experiments.
- Geography and History – Land and Water forms; the Timeline of Life; Puzzle maps of the Continents and the USA; Flags from across the World; the Study of People, their Customs and Beliefs; Cultures from the Past; and Historical Figures and Events.
- Art – An introduction of art through time; art from different cultures; masterpieces and the great artists; and opportunities to develop art skills and work with various media.
- Music and Movement – Exposure to styles of music from all over the world; “great” composers; instruments in the orchestra; rhythm instruments and movement activities; and the opportunity to sing and dance and explore movement, balance, and coordination.
- Peace Education – The silence game; songs, stories, and games to help children understand themselves and others and express their feelings; role playing; and conflict resolution and peacemaking skills.