Solid, liquid, or gas? Primary students have been studying states of matter. First, we figured out that everything you see, feel, taste, or smell is matter. All matter is made up of atoms. That means we are made up of atoms, too!

We watched a table for a few seconds and decided that it, like all solids, can’t change its shape unless we change it. By pouring water into different size tubes, we observed liquids move take the shape of any container. We figured out that we can feel air even if we can’t see it. These three states of matter are different because of how their atoms are arranged, a little bit like putting ourselves inside a hula hoop! We all giggled, watching one student have plenty of room to move around the hula hoop like a gas. When we added two more students to replicate a liquid, we saw that they could still move abut had less freedom. When we packed in seven students, they were so close together no movement was possible just like a solid.

We got to taste some science experiments this week, too. While an ice block melted in the sun, liquid grape juice froze in the freezer–a perfect snack for a sweltering afternoon. We also witnessed liquids being mixed with solids and talked about yeast, which makes bubbles. In a few hours, we ate delicious, fluffy bread thanks to gas.

The Primary unit has been studying bees and ants. We began by learning how important each of these insects are to our environment. Ants help keep soil healthy and bees both pollinate flowers and make delicious honey. We learned that ants and bees have several similarities: they both have three body parts, six legs, and two antennae. They are also dissimilar in the number of eyes and colors they can be. We spent time discovering how each live, both in colonies, but the nests differ drastically.

On the science shelves are a multitude of works to explore. Some children have enjoyed drawing the four parts of the any life-cycle. We have bees to count and an insect floor puzzle to put together with friends. There are resin cubes with preserved ants and bees for closer inspection and a sweet bee with paintbrush to make sure plenty of pollen gets on the bee while it uses it special straw-like mouthpart.

Knowledge of their environment helps engender a feeling of compassion in children for all insects. We have had numerous discussions on how to protect insects in our outdoor classroom as well as any outdoor space they may visit.

Last week we began our exploration of the continents. This journey will take us well into Spring as we discuss each continent and several countries within it.

We began our discussion by talking about the seven continents, and identifying the one we live in—North America! Within North America there are many countries, including our own, the United States. The United States is comprised of 50 states. We identified Ohio, the place that we call home.

We discuss indigenous peoples of each culture we visit throughout our Social Studies curriculum. We were so grateful to have one of our Primary parents, Emily, who is a member of the Cherokee Nation, visit our classroom to discuss her heritage.

Emily began with a lovely book, “We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga” by Traci Sorrell and illustrated by Frane Lessac, that tells the story of how grateful the Cherokee community is for the gifts and challenges that each season brings. The children got to enjoy baskets that were woven by Emily, one filled with Cedar, as well as a wood rattle carved into an Owl. Owls are believed to be good luck!

The children also learned some of the Cherokee language. Traditionally when we take attendance at morning meeting we use the language of the country we are discussing to say “here”. We now include a choice of here, present or “ahani” (pronounced  “ah-hah-nee”), Cherokee for “here”, when taking attendance this week. Emily also taught the children how to count to five in Cherokee:

1 = saquu (pronounced “saw-gwoo”) ᏐᏬ

2 = ta’li (pronounced “tah-lee”) ᏔᎵ

3 = tso’i (pronounced “joh-ee) ᏦᎢ

4 = nvgi (pronounced “nuh-gee) ᏅᎩ

5 = hisgi (pronounced “hee-skee”) ᎯᏍᎩ

We ended our morning meeting with a traditional Cherokee lullaby “Usdi Yona,” which means Little Bear. “Wado,” thank you, to Emily for visiting our classroom!

Last week in Primary, we started a study of the Earth. It’s hard to imagine we live on an enormous planet, and even harder to imagine what we can see is such a tiny part of it We began by exploring the layers of the earth using a model. We tried to imagine how hot the core is while the crust is so cool. Next came the surface of the Earth, including Tectonic Plates. We talked about pressure and how that can lead to volcanoes and so of course, we set off a replica volcano at morning meeting which was met with excitement and cheers! We also used candy to help explore the three main types of rock; sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous.

With many works on the shelves, our student scientist are hard at work examining, exploring, and sorting elements of our planet.

McGuffey Montessori Presents Adult Prom: 80’s Edition! Join us for a night of dancing, big hair, and big fun!

Cash bar, balloon arch, and your favorite 80’s music. Ticket price includes one drink. Age 21 and older. Singles, couples, triples, quadruples, groups….everyone is welcome! Raffle and prize give-aways.

Any and all 80’s attire encouraged.

Buy Tickets Here