Short Description

The Study of Earth and Living Things, a component of Dr. Montessori’s Syllabus for the adolescent, is the foundation for a layering of the work and study in adolescence. It is the root of her eco-pedagogy that centers on the interdependencies among all living and non-living things, and, by extension, within human societies. The cycles and systems of the natural world are germane to adolescent work and study, in preparation for adult life, which demands a harmonious, moral relationship with the Earth, as well as scientific knowledge. Fostering a sense of belongingness to the Earth and cultivating the knowledge to understand it are central to Montessori pedagogy, at all ages, and adolescence is a critical developmental period to live and experience the impacts, both good and bad of human activity on natural systems.

Community Education

Objectives

By the end of this session, participants will:

• Gain an understanding of the developmental importance of the Study of Earth and Living Things
• Frame the science studies through a Montessori lens 
• Process the interconnectedness between this layer of work/study on the Syllabus and the next, The Study of Human Progress and the Building up of Civilization