Science is the study of the physical and biological aspects of our world. The Science programme looks at living things and their environments. It also looks at non-living phenomena/ aspects of the Earth. It forms part of the Montessori culture subjects and is integrated with the study of all other subjects, in line with the concept of cosmic education. It aims to develop in the child knowledge, respect and appreciation for our world, the diversity of living/ non-living things in it and for their interdependence and inter-relationship. We use a “hands-on” approach, encouraging the child to work with materials, try out and experiment in order to begin to develop a scientific and reflective attitude to the realities of his/her world. This discovery work will also help the child develop a sense of respect, responsibility and reverence for all that s/he encounters in our environment.
As with all subjects, the Science programme is presented in a manner to stimulate the child’s curiosity, inspire discovery, auto-education and independent thought. Manipulative materials and visual aids are used extensively as the younger child is in a period of development when sensorial experience and an absorbent mind are relevant. As the child moves towards 6 years, more abstract concepts, together with reading and writing exercises may be introduced.
Skills developed / Purposes of the Science Exercises
- Develop understanding/ appreciation of the physical and biological aspects of the world and their interdependence
- Develop scientific and reflective attitudes
- Develop respect, responsibility and reverence
- Examine and classify living and non-living things
- Represent information in scientific format
Programme Content
Each strand is introduced and developed as the child is ready.
The Human being
- Parts of the body
- Human needs: food, shelter, clothing
- The Senses
- Nutrition
– energy and food
– basic food groups
Plants and animals
- Familiarisation with animals and plants
- Classification (grouping)
- Parts of animals and plants
- Needs of animals and plants
- Life cycles of animals and plants
- Classification by characteristics
- Influence of seasonal changes on animals and plants
- Food/ energy sources for animals and plants
- Herbivores / carnivores / omnivores
Light and Sound
Light
- Colour
- The Sun
- Day and night
- Shadow
- Light and various materials
Sound
- Variety of sound
- Making sound
Energy and Natural forces
Heat
- Awareness of heat
- Sources of heat
- Temperature
- Substances that keep heat/ or not
Magnetism and electricity
- Properties of magnetism (basic)
- Properties of electricity (basic)
- Static electricity
- Uses of electricity
Forces
- Pushing / pulling
- Movement by water/ air
- Movement on different surfaces
- Sinking / floating
Materials in our environment
Properties of materials in our environment
- Natural / manufactured
- Characteristics: strength, flexibility, waterproof, heat retention
- Uses of various materials
Materials and change
- Effects of water, heating and cooling
- Effects of mixing materials
Ecology / Caring for our environment
- Appreciation of the environment
- Sharing environment with animals and plants
- Pollution (basic facts)
- Our contribution to caring for environment
