Preschool:
Basics of Math and Science
Babies are born with the scientific
process at their disposal. They observe new things, formulate hypothesis,
experiment, form theories based on the results, and share those results with
their peers.
·
Sorting
Shapes and Sizes -
This exercise teaches important comparison techniques that will be useful in
future STEM activities.
·
Observation
Skills - Simple
games like choosing the ball that is a different color, or the difference
between cold/hot and wet/dry teach observation and comparison.
·
Patterns
and Sets -
Learning about capital and lowercase letters or even and odd numbers are simple
games that teach pattern and set recognition skills.
Fun
Science: Ages 4 to 6
Mathematics are fundamental to science
and engineering. Simple experiments teach children complex arithmetic without
making it look like math.
·
States
of Matter -
Water and rock are extremes of liquid and solid. Water is excellent for
experimenting with converting from one state to another, from solid to gaseous.
·
Volume
and Displacement - Using
solids and liquids together, children learn that adding a solid to a container
of liquid increases the volume in the container.
·
Edible
Building Blocks -
Building 2- and 3-dimensional shapes with marshmallows and toothpicks teaches
engineering and geometry skills that are delicious when the lesson in complete.
Scientific
Process: Ages 6 to 9
The world we live in is filled with
opportunity to learn about science and chemistry. Household ingredients make
excellent tools to instruct and inform children.
·
Basic
Chemistry - Pour
a bit of vinegar into a 2-liter bottle and a teaspoon of baking soda in the
cap. Crush the bottle, screw the cap on quickly, and stand back as chemistry
goes into action.
·
Observing
Weather -
Heating a small amount of water in a bottle creates condensation that can be
used to explain why it rains.
·
Starving
Flame - Covering
a tea candle with a glass jar teaches about oxygen requirements and can be
expanded to teach basic environmental lessons, including carbon buildup in the
atmosphere.
Biology
and Physical Sciences: Ages 9 to 12
·
Understanding
Biomes -
Learning how plants and animals interact to create a sustainable ecosystem
helps children understand life cycles and extinction events.
·
Natural
Energy - Natural
energy is everywhere, from the sun heating a dark surface to an LED light
powered by a lemon or potato, or the wind turning a pinwheel.
·
Weather
Observations -
Predicting the weather begins with observing cause and effect. Why it rains,
the relation of air temperature to rain showers, and why seasons change are
excellent learning opportunities.
When children can make things happen as they learn, the lessons will last a lifetime. Encourage experimentation, explaining why and how things work - from the science behind the difference between a screw and a nail to the reason heating changes ingredients into desserts. Montessori education encourages students to explore and interact on their own. Contact the Montessori School of Fremont today to learn how hands-on learning is integrated into the Montessori curriculum on a daily basis.
