LifeSong Montessori
Visit Us Online!
  • Home
  • Contact Us/ Information
    • Montessori Philosophy
    • Our Staff
    • Contact Us
  • Programs and Tuition
    • Primary
    • Elementary
    • Tuition
  • Testimonials
  • Calendar
  • Additional Resources
    • Suggested Reading
    • Links
  • Parents' Page

Lesson from an atom

2/1/2014

0 Comments

 
We seldom do lessons as a whole class. With children ranging from first to fifth grade, they aren’t often on the same plane of development or reasoning. But last week, our class was in the beginning stages of Science Fair preparation so I thought we’d kick things off by talking about the parts of an atom as a group.

My lesson began casually, pointing out parts like protons and neutrons, and led into a bit of discussion of what each part’s function is. The younger children actually looked a little bored and I could tell they couldn’t quite wrap their minds around what we were talking about. One first year child asked how we knew that these parts even existed. His theory was that someone saw them under a microscope. We discussed his hypothesis and delved into the idea that everything was made up of smaller and smaller parts. Then the biggest question was asked.

“Where did the first part come from?”

That one question from a fifth grader sparked the most wonderful conversation. No longer were these children ranging in ages from six through ten, but inquisitive minds asking the age-old question.  These innocent faces were suddenly pondering the very beginnings of all life. The discussion became animated as they talked about their ideas, their religious beliefs and the various brainstorms of how life began.

This is what Montessori education is all about.  When an interest is sparked, we go with it. We see where it takes us. We have the freedom to explore and search out the answers to the questions we have.  When I planned to give this simple lesson, I could never have imagined that it would turn into such a rich discussion. Now I can’t imagine looking at an atom any other way.

0 Comments

    Archives

    March 2021
    August 2017
    July 2017
    May 2017
    November 2016
    October 2016
    July 2016
    May 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    February 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    February 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    August 2012

    Categories

    All

    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.