How do science camps fit into Cosmic Education?

February 13, 2023

Dear Maria,

How do science camps fit into Cosmic Education?

Sincerely,

Cascadia Parent

Dear Cascadia parent,

Cosmic Education is my plan for Elementary children. Read more about it on the Montessori Cosmos blog here. It encompasses science, history, language, math, music, art, practical life, and physical education. One of the main tenets of Cosmic Education is to present concrete experiences before abstract ones. In math, that means that children get to work with Montessori materials (the checkerboard and bead cabinet, to name a few) to experience what it actually means to add, divide, or square a number before they are expected to learn the abstract algorithms or memorize math facts.

This applies to the natural world as well. What better way to begin to see the intricacies of nature than to go and see it for yourself? “There is no description, no image in any book that is capable of replacing the sight of real trees, and all the life to be found around them, in a real forest” (This quote is from my book From Childhood to Adolescence, based off my 1939 lecture in London).

There are so many things to study in the Northwest, from volcanoes and glacial formations to fascinating plants and animals, to the history and effects of human life in the area. Elementary children always want to know the “why” of things, and so going on Science camps and activities led by specialists is a great way for them to satiate their inquisitive minds, at least for a while!

In addition, school trips provide an opportunity for children to grow in independence as they experience life outside the school and family. In preparation for Going Out or a whole class trip, children will learn and practice many “practical life” activities - packing, keeping track of their own things, planning ahead, interacting with strangers, figuring out how to use their bodies in different places. All of these activities help children become more independent, confident and competent in caring for themselves as they grow older.

Your Friend,

Maria

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Dear Maria, What are “Going Outs”? How do they help our children learn? Can I help? Sincerely, Cascadia parent Dear Cascadia parent, Going Outs are a key piece of the Montessori elementary experience. A Going Out is a child-led outing from the classroom and can take various forms. Children might go on an errand for the class community or for supplies for a special project (cooking, baking, arts & crafts, special experiment, etc.). They might go and see something in-person that they’ve been researching in class. Going to see a native animal or plant in its natural ecosystem, visiting the zoo to observe an animal, picking up books at the public library or visiting an expert to talk more about a topic or see a special demonstration might all be research-related going outs. The possibilities are endless and limited only to the child’s imagination…and to practicalities, because a vital part of Going Outs is that the children organize everything themselves! They’re responsible for organizing chaperones, transportation, necessary things to bring along, and getting an appointment or tickets if necessary. Going Outs are a huge part of how Elementary children learn about the world and practice independence! Many skills are involved in planning a Going Out, including map reading, learning about money, distance, time management, organizing a group, preparing practical items (using forethought to prepare for weather or unexpected events), and much more! Of course with the youngest children, your child’s guide and assistant will give lessons on Going Outs or assist them with planning their first trips. Young children might be invited to go along with an older and more experienced child and learn the process that way. Guides have established Going Out procedures to aid children in taking on this responsibility for themselves. (Part of these procedures involve notifying Susan in the office and parents & guardians about the going out date, time, and location, so don’t be worried about your child leaving campus without your knowledge.)