Science Lab
Hands-on Science is an important component of the classroom at all levels, and we also have a Science Lab for our K-6 students! At MSM, we promote Science Education by focusing on the Elementary AMI and AMS Science curricula that include all aspects of scientific inquiry for the 6-12 child. In addition to the Montessori albums, labs also reference the National Science Education Standards and the State of Virginia SOLs to compliment the curriculum. The MSM Science Lab program is designed to enhance the Kindergarten and Elementary child’s scientific studies in their classroom, which fit into the larger picture of what Dr. Montessori called “Cosmic Education” for the 6-12 child.
What is Cosmic Education for the 6-12 child?
“Cosmic Education lets the child’s own questions provide the basis for exploration of the world. Because these questions are heeded and nurtured, the child really connects with knowledge. Subject matter, then, is made relevant to the child’s personal quest, providing an inner motivation. A Montessori education does not give the child a collection of trivial facts but rather bestows a vision of interrelated knowledge and a love of learning.” (Source: NAMTA’s What is Montessori Elementary?, 1995.)
In Science Lab we continue the child’s explorations of the natural world by engaging his/her intellect and sparking the imagination with exciting and engaging, age-appropriate hands-on experiments and discussions.
The MSM Science Elementary Lab curriculum is divided into two, three-year cycles.
Lower Elementary and Upper Elementary levels follow the Science curriculum in the Montessori classrooms. The Science Lab teacher works closely with classroom teachers to integrate lessons and concepts that can be explored further in either environment. The three-year cycle is as follows:
- Year One: Astronomy and Earth Science (Geology)
- Year Two: Physical Science (Physics and Chemistry)
- Year Three: Life Science (Botany and Zoology/Humans)
In addition to science as part of the regular classroom curriculum, Kindergarten and Elementary students attend class in the MSM Science Lab weekly for one hour.