Tuesday, April 18, 2017

Science Activities for Elementary Students

Presented in the correct perspective, science is a fun and entertaining subject. It also gives instructors the opportunity to get the students involved, inside the classroom as well as at home or in the great outdoors. Montessori learning is well-suited for science activities that give your child a hands-on, exciting look at science and how it affects our everyday lives.


Biology: Frogs and Butterflies

Life is a fragile thing, both beautiful and sometimes tragic as it begins. Classroom activities could include an aquarium of tadpoles maturing into frogs (and transitioning from aquatic creatures to land-based organisms), or a collection of butterfly, moth, and other insect larvae that matures into majestic flying creatures. Introducing the early stages of life makes a great starting point for deeper investigations into life and the world around us.


Climate: Linking Weather and Biology

The success of every living thing depends on its ability to adapt to the surroundings in which it lives. A classic activity uses sealed containers with frogs or insects and the presence or absence of living plants to demonstrate the importance of oxygen. The converse is true as well, so plants require a steady supply of carbon dioxide. From there, students can experiment with variables such as heat, light, and the availability of water - factors that can be easily tested using mushrooms, bread mold, or ordinary pond water.


Learning the States of Matter

Three of the four states of matter can be easily demonstrated in the classroom using only water, a beaker, and fire. Start with ice cubes for the solid state, then allow it to melt into a liquid state. Once the ice cubes have completely melted, transform the water into a gas by applying heat. To demonstrate the plasma state of matter, the fire used to heat the water is a great example of plasma, which can only exist under constant conditions of energy transfer. Fluorescent and neon lights are other examples of this elusive state of matter.


The Joys of Chemical and Elemental Magic

Learning about the basic states of matter allows a transition into the atoms, molecules, and elements that comprise them. While the science is very complex, it is easy to experiment with the basic concepts. Household chemicals and other ingredients can be used to demonstrate many facets of chemical and elemental reactions and interactions, including such ideas as:


·        Specific gravity (solids and oils in water)
·        Natural separation of fluids (oil, water, and alcohol)
·        Sedimentary properties (sand and water)
·        Chemical reactions (vinegar and baking soda)
·        Erosion (dripping fluids on soft clay)


Maximizing Montessori Method


Keeping children immersed and active is a basic tenet of the Montessori Method. The field of science is an ideal subject because indoor and outdoor activities can show real-world examples of how science affects our lives, right down to explaining how the environment is impacted by the things we do.  The Montessori School of Flagstaff Switzer Mesa Campus teaches students ages 6-12 the importance of learning science, especially in today's society. Starting students off with a solid foundation using the activities above will only help our students as they continue throughout their education and adult lives.
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Author: verified_user