Science is defined as the intellectual and practical activity encompassing the systematic study of the structure and behavior of the physical and natural world through observation and experiment.
It is so important to motivate elementary-aged students with science. A Montessori philosophy advocates that children between the ages of six through eleven are in a sensitive period for learning and testing new academic skills. They are looking at the world by assessing their own abilities and accomplishments by making comparisons between themselves and others.They are also learning about social relationships beyond the family through interaction with friends and fellow students.
A Science Fair creates a model of this idea, process, and system beginning with instruction as to the what the scientific method is (a systematic process for experimentation that is used to explore observations). A science fair cues and peaks an elementary-aged student’s hunger for testing and comparing in a social setting.
At the beginning of March, our Elementary students were given an assignment to use the scientific method and create a science project on their own.
A month later, our students amazed us with their projects. Students had a chance to explore, learn, compare, and contrast their chosen areas of study with their peers. This event reflects and aligns closely to where elementary students are at in their own growth and development. I hope we can continue to guide and encourage our students toward deeper learning and keep them asking those questions as they will truly be our future.
