Science is taught through the Montessori method using demonstration, experimentation, and research, consisting of little reading and lecturing. The child is allowed to experiment and learn from hands-on experiences and experimentation. Dr. Maria Montessori possessed and passed on a deep love for the world of nature, especially through the program of outdoor education and activities including gardening and other outdoor experiences.
Montessori science is broken down into the categories of zoology, human biology, botany, earth science, physical science, mechanics, and technology. The primary motive of Montessori science is to encourage the natural curiosity for the many areas and facets of what is classified as science.
Once the Montessori educator and the child have identified an area of science that piques the child’s interest, the child is provided with the basic instructions for their experimentation with a focus on their chosen scientific area. The child is guided to break down the basics, which gives the student a foundation to build their knowledge based on what they find and observe from their analysis. For example, relating plant growth from nutrients in the soil to animal growth from plant eating, expanding until the concept of human growth from consuming both plants and animals.
Science is such a subject that allows not only the child to discover and spark natural curiosity in themselves but for the child to develop a passion and hunger to self learn as much as they can and want to. This result may not occur in all subjects, but science is where the child’s interest in gaining knowledge is ignited, spreading to other subjects such as history, language, and more. Montessori educators find true success when the child asks, by themself, for more sources of information regarding the subject, to either the educator or the child’s parents.
