Montessori Biology and Botany

Children are extremely curious and always on the move to search for new possibilities to broaden their horizons. 

While most traditional educational institutions bound children to a desk and chair for hours on end, The Montessori Method of education encourages children to indulge in auto-didactic education and hands-on learning. 

The Montessori Curriculum is divided into different categories based on its concepts and topics. The Montessori Method of education encompasses the following subjects or programs in the curriculum:

• Practical Life 
• Sensorial 
• Language
• Mathematics
• Cultural

The Montessori Cultural curriculum covers a diverse range of subjects that give children an intimate insight into the world they reside in. 

It is important to develop the child’s interest in topics related to nature and topics that are concerned with nature, to help their sense of belongingness with the natural world. 

Subjects like Botany and Biology in Montessori institutions are introduced to the child during their Preschool Stage, where the child is introduced to several topics related to the natural as well as the physiological world around them. 

If you are interested in Incorporating the scientific concepts of Biology and Botany into the curriculum, here is everything one should know about Biology and Botany at Montessori Institution. 

What is Montessori Biology?

Biology is often concerned with plants and animals which are a part of the environment. 

In Montessori institutions, Language and Materials are often used to bridge the gap between the science of biology. 

Young children have a natural interest in every living thing as well as biology which focuses on the study of living organisms, plants, and animals. 

In Montessori Curriculum, ​there are 2 major areas or streams of biology that help children develop a thorough knowledge of the topics. 

Two Types of Montessori Biology

The Montessori Method of Education bifurcates the science of biology into two specific streams that make the information easy to comprehend and remember for developing minds.

1. The first stream of Biology in Montessori education is Primary Biology also called Zoology. Zoology is concerned with biological science that is related to the detailed scientific study of animals, the biological structure of the animals, their physiology, their classification, and their distribution across the globe. 
   
2. The second stream of Biology in Montessori education is Phytology, which is concerned with the study of specific classifications of plants, the physiology of the plants, the structure of the plants, their significance in the environment, their appropriation, and monetary importance.

During the Elementary stages, the child is encouraged to dive deeper into the biological concepts with the help of different teams and sub-groups of biology relating to the Animal related biology as well as Phytology. 

What is Montessori Botany?

The term ‘Botany’ essentially means nature and in the Montessori Method, the child is taught how to respect and love the nature that surrounds and provides to them. 

Botany in Montessori is often introduced to children when they are at their initial Preschool level. 

Botany is a subject that focuses on plants and their significance, contribution, appropriation, or importance in human and animal lives. 

The child is highly receptive to unique and engaging stimuli during their first six years, hence teaching botany to the child during sensitive periods is a great way to utilize their curiosity. 

Montessori Activities and Materials for Zoology:

Here is a list of Activities and Materials in accordance with the Montessori Philosophy that will effectively facilitate Biology education:

1. Montessori Biology Puzzles

Puzzles are a fun and exciting way to help child children comprehend complex biological topics as well as concepts. 

One can incorporate animal or zoology puzzles in the curriculum to provide the child with a sensory stimulating experience.  

2. Model Animals

Model Animals or animal figurines are a wonderful way to introduce the child to different species of animals. 

With the help of Tangible material, the child will be able to effectively associate the names of the animals with their species. 

3. Animals in their habitat Picture Cards

Not only is it important to teach the child about the different species of animals but also about the habitats they reside in to further strengthen the understanding.

In the activity, one should introduce a diverse range of animals in their designated habitats. 

This activity will help children develop a more intimate understanding of the climate, terrain, and topography different animals need for their survival. 

4. Phylum Presentations

There are two types of Phylum Activities one can introduce to their child:

• An overview:
  This activity introduces the child to different categories of Phyla or classes of living things. 
  This activity is great for developing the child’s vocabulary, understanding, concentration, and association of the names of animals with their images.
  
• Phylum Class:
  Unlike the prior activity, this activity is a little more challenging for the child, as the child is introduced to the Phyla more closely. 

Montessori Materials and Activities for Botany:

Here is a list of Montessori activities of Materials that will enhance the child’s experience when learning complex concepts of botany. 

1. Nature Table:

One can set up an elaborate natural table in the learning area for the child to observe and learn from. 

Encourage the child to bring in thighs from the outside environment that can be placed on the table to be displayed. This activity will develop appropriate interest and respect for nature in the child. 

2. Nature Trails

Nature trails or nature walks can be great group activities for all the children in the classroom. 

The directress can take the group of children outside for a nature trail or nature walks and explain the plants and their anatomy that surround us. 

3. Gardening Activities

Montessori Gardening Activities often include basic gardening activities like watering, sowing, or weeding.

These activities can be a wonderful bonding activity for children to connect with the environment, nature, and living organisms that are cohabitating with us. 

Not only do the children get an opportunity to learn about the natural world through gardening but these activities also promote the development of several skills important for their growth. 

4. Flower Arrangements

A Flower Arrangement activity can be a great activity for the child to learn about different classes of flowers. 

One can purchase different types of flowers and ask the child to arrange the flowers in a vase. 

This is a great opportunity for the child to only learn about different classes of flowers but also about colors and numbers. 

5. Planting Seeds

Whether you have a large garden or a small patch of soil that is favorable for planting seeds, the planting seeds activity can be an extremely fulfilling activity for you and your child. 

Planting seed activity can help the child build concentration, learn about patience, observe the plant cycle, as well as develop an inimitable understanding of how the plant life cycle works.

6. Plant Dissection

Flower dissection is a fun way to incorporate science and fun together in a fun little activity that your child will remember for years to come. 

• You can ask the child to pick the flower of their choice. 
• You should assist the child while removing all the petals or leaves of the flowers. 
• You along with the child will then glue all the parts of the flower on cardboard. 
• Label different parts of the flower
• Lastly, Discuss the functions of each component of the flower. 

You can discuss the following topics with the child:

• How the petals and their bright color attract insects
• How the Stamen produces pollen
• How Pistisls fertilize the seeds

What are the benefits of Montessori Biology and Botany?

The Botany and Biology Curriculum in Montessori is introduced to the child during their early stages of development.

The early introduction to the world of nature during the preschool stages, allows children to develop respect and appreciation for the world that surrounds them.

With the help of specifically designed Montessori Materials and systematically developed Montessori Activities children are able to deep dive into the world of plants as well as animals.

Montessori Botany and Biology are two integral subjects of the Montessori Curriculum that promote children to develop an intimate understanding of nature as well as comprehend the concepts of living/non-living from a very young age.

See Also:

• Montessori Geography
• Montessori Gardening
• Montessori Great Lessons