Cosmic Connections: Geography, Science, Art and Food

Transcription

1 A Cultural Subjects Workshop Cosmic Connections: Geography, Science, Art and Food AMS Annual Conference Philadelphia, Pennsylvania March 2015 Compiled by: Helen DeVere

2 The teacher is a key. The preparation of a Montessori teacher includes a thorough, internalized knowledge and understanding of the curriculum, the materials, and the developmental needs of the children at different age levels. Even more, Dr Montessori felt that, since the teacher is the link between the child and the environment, s/he must have a true desire and drive to learn and understand all the world has to offer. Dr. Montessori wrote: You yourselves must be filled with wonder and when you have acquired that, you are prepared It is not enough for you to love the child. You must first love and understand the universe. You must prepare yourself and truly work at it. (Montessori 1975)

3 Geography Sequence Land and Water Globe Continent Globe Land and Water forms Research Model Picture of Earth Cultures Cups of address in Universe Flags Map of Body, Room, Block Map of a town with streets Compass work Map of the World control map build on own push pin, trace, paint Continents: countries, capitals, flags, animals, biomes The children can experience the continent map and all other map work in many ways. They can build the pieces on the various control maps, learn the names, push pin or cut them out, paint them, make booklets, make matching cards, make the maps out of clay, etc. Three dimensional models of the globe are always fun. Salt dough maps involve a many step process and give impressive results. Combine the maps with animals, plants, artifacts, etc. Be creative, incorporate many activities.

4 Salt Dough Recipe 2 cups flour 1 cup salt 1 Tbls. Cream of Tartar 1 cup water Mix dry ingredients Add water. Mix with spoon, then hands. Refrigerate.. CREATING A VOLCANO Ingredients small drink bottle 2 oz. water 1 tablespoon baking soda 2 oz. vinegar orange food colouring few drops of detergent small square of tissue. Making the eruption Place the water, soap, food colouring and vinegar in the drink bottle. Wrap the baking soda in the tissue and drop into the bottle. The volcano model will then erupt. For extra realism The volcano can be made more realistic by enclosing the structure in home made play dough. Mix 6 cups of flour, 2 cups of salt, 4 tablespoons of cooking oil, and 2 cups of water in a large bowl. Mix the ingredients by hand until smooth and firm. Build up the mixture around the drink bottle to create the mountain. Lava channels and vegetation can be built around the volcano. The chemical reaction NaHCO3 + CH3COOH Na+ + H2O + CO2 + CH3COO- Carbon dioxide is released creating the fizz. Warning: Be careful when handling ingredients. Children should be supervised by an adult. Ingredients should be kept away from eyes.

5 Observational Science Learning about our world and all things in it. SCIENCE SEQUENCE GENERAL SCIENCE: Living Nonliving Experience with real things baby compared to doll. Sort objects, then pictures on cards Plant Animal Mineral Get real specimens Sort objects, then cards Plant Animal Use school pets & other animals, use real objects, sort objects, then cards NATURAL SCIENCE: Observe and experience in nature BOTANY - Plants Green/Not Green Seed/No Seed Fruits and Vegetables Match and sort, real, photo, outline Plant Care, Growth Cycle Plant Functions to observe with experiments Capillary action use colored water Phototropism use lamp Decomposition bury Respiration bag on tree Propagation sprout, cutting Parts of Work Always start with a real plant and have them find it, touch it, rub bark, dissect seeds and flowers, learn correct names. Identify, define, describe, research the parts of Plant, Seed, Root, Leaf, Flower Classification Folders Mix and sort Art Activities Rubbings, collections, collages, paintings, press and mount Sensorial Activities Tasting, matching and sorting, smelling, making a terrarium

6 Geography Activities Where from, how used Practical Life Activities Grow seeds, prepare foods, arrange flowers, trace leaves ZOOLOGY - Animals Experience real animals, whenever possible. Taking care of them teaches empathy and responsibility. Move from real animals to models of animals, then move on to photos. Picture matching (same/similar) and vertebrates/invertebrates (sorting) Classify Animals - Objects, then Pictures Invertebrates - no backbone, some have exoskeleton, some experience metamorphosis, includes all insects Vertebrates - backbone, live birth, warm or cold-blooded Live on land or in water Walk, fly, or swim What they eat Sort by classes of vertebrates: 1. Chondrichthyes sharks, rays, skates cartilage, not bone. 2. Fish Osteichthyes 3. Amphibians - Amphibia. 4. Reptiles Reptilia (dinosaurs). 5. Birds - Aves. 6. Mammals- Mammalia Discuss characteristics. Write definitions with children. Sort pictures Play Identification (puzzle) game: I live in the water. I have gills. Who am I? Make folders of each class with pictures and information they can use for research. Have books available for research. Introduce Animal Parts for each class of vertebrates. Use live animal for introduction, whenever possible Use split label cards, and puzzles Read definition books Make their own books Introduce riddles for different animals Have child use cut definitions and record what he knows Make folders of Different classes to be mixed and sorted Have child research one animal Do in-depth whole class study (unit project) on one group of animals

7 Classification Pictures (folders) Discuss, mix and sort with labels, research basic needs, habitats (wild/domestic), habits (hibernation, territorial behavior, etc.), reproduction, body systems, migration Human Body Parts, structure Systems: Circulation, digestion, respiration, nervous, reproduction, emotional and intellectual TAKE THE CHILDREN OUTSIDE!!! Use ideas from the Private Eye project. Plant a Butterfly, Pizza, Rainbow, etc. Garden Plant a vegetable/fruit garden that you can harvest and use for Food Preparation activities. Learn the name of every flower near the school, later in your state or part of the country. Then expand to other areas. Name the colors of the flowers. Make more color tablets to match them. Use their new-found knowledge for writing, drawing, painting, book-making, sculpting, sewing, etc. projects. The world is just filled with color. Color in our World Find it, name it, bring it into your classroom, school yard, home. All the colors of the water (what are their names??) All the colors of the flowers. All the colors of the food we eat. All the shades of color in the trees, rocks, etc. See it, describe it, paint it, appreciate it.

8 If a child is to keep alive his inborn sense of wonder, he needs the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering with him the joy, excitement, and mystery of the world we live in. Rachel Carson

9

10

11

12

13

14 Making Felt Owls Materials: (2) 6 squares of plain felt (1) 5 X 4 piece of checkered material Cotton Cord Large Eyed Needle 2 Buttons Directions: 1. Cut two of larger (body) piece from plain felt 2. Cut one of smaller piece (possibly checked or patterned) for tummy. 3. Sew smaller piece onto one larger piece about ¼ 1/2 from bottom 4. Then you may (A) put pieces together right sides out and blanket stitch almost all the way around OR (B) put tummy on inside, sew regular stitch and turn right side out at hole you have left open. 5. Stuff lightly in bottom of owl. 6. Finish sewing together. 7. Fold pointed end down for beak. 8. Sew or glue buttons on for eyes.