Abstract/Notes: Many of the included activities are science experiments where an adult and child test, observe, modify, and retest, often with interesting extensions included beyond the initial test (e.g., experimenting with friction and sliding speed using different materials and then repeating the experiment adding varying wetness as another factor).[...]the "Magic Milk" experiment uses milk, food coloring, and a touch of soap to cause a rapid chemical change that spectacularly alters the interaction between the dye and the fat in the milk.

Language: English

ISSN: 1054-0040

Language: English

ISSN: 0519-0959

Language: Italian

Published: [Roma, Italy]: Opera Nazionale Montessori], 1999

Language: English

Abstract/Notes: he importance of thinking and problem-solving skills, and the ability to integrate and analyze information has been recognized and yet may be lacking in schools. Creativity is inherently linked to problem finding, problem solving, and divergent thinking (Arieti, 1976; Csikszentmihalyi, 1990; Milgram, 1990). The importance of early childhood education and its role in the formation of young minds has been recognized (Caine & Caine, 1991; Montessori, 1967a, 1967b; Piaget, 1970). Early childhood education also impacts creativity (Gardner, 1999). The features of brain-based learning (Caine & Caine, 1991; Jensen, 1998; Sousa, 2001; Wolfe, 2001) have a clear connection to nurturing the creative potential in students. Intrinsic motivation and emotions affect student learning and creativity as well (Hennessey & Amabile, 1987). The purpose of this study was to discern if a creativity-focused science curriculum for the kindergarteners at a Montessori early learning center could increase creativity in students. This action research study included observations of the students in two classrooms, one using the creativity-focused science curriculum, and the other using the existing curriculum. The data collected for this interpretive study included interviews with the students, surveys and interviews with their parents and teachers, teacher observations, and the administration of Torrance's (1981) Thinking Creatively in Action and Movement (TCAM) test. The interpretation of the data indicated that the enhanced science curriculum played a role in enhancing the creativity of the children in the creativity-focused group. The results of the TCAM (Torrance, 1981) showed a significant increase in scores for the children in the creativity-focused group. The qualitative data revealed a heightened interest in science and the observation of creative traits, processes, and products in the creativity-focused group children. The implications of this study included the need for meaningful learning experiences, experiential learning opportunities, critical thinking and problem solving activities, and an emphasis on freedom, independence, and autonomy on the part of the learner. These elements, when combined with an integrated science curriculum, can foster creativity in young children.

Language: English

Published: Santa Barbara, California, 2005

Language: English

Published: Cleveland, Ohio: North American Montessori Teachers' Association, 1989

Language: English

ISSN: 2281-8375

Language: English

Language: English

Abstract/Notes: IBHA, the International Big History Association, was organized in 2010 and "promotes the unified, interdisciplinary study and teaching of history of the Cosmos, Earth, Life, and Humanity." This is the vision that Montessori embraced long before the discoveries of modern science fleshed out the story of the evolving universe. "Big History" is a university curriculum that gives a comprehensive overview of everything from the birth of the universe to modern societies and visions of the future. In essence, it is a college-level version of Montessori's Cosmic Education. The IBHA held its first conference in August 2012 at Grand Valley State University in Grand Rapids, MI. A panel of Montessorians gave presentations at the conference to inform the assembled group of their own elementary school version of Big History.

Language: English

ISSN: 1054-0040