Discover our new geology materials on precious stones! Our new set of materials offers a unique blend of scientific exploration and aesthetic appreciation, making it a perfect fit for the Montessori-aligned science lesson. This hands-on, self-corrective, and aesthetic complete set introduces young learners to the study of geology through the use of real stones, a puzzle, nomenclature cards, and research cards. The set includes the following precious stones: Sodalite, Amazonite, Tiger Eye, Snowflake Obsidian, Red Jasper, Moonstone, Clear Quartz, Rose Quartz, Fancy Jasper, and Agate. By engaging with these materials, children will not only learn about the physical properties and origins of these stones but also develop a deeper connection to the natural world.
Materials
- Precious Stones Complete Set
- Precious Stones Puzzle with Nomenclature Cards (3-6) (Printed)
- Precious Stones Nomenclature Cards (3-6) (Printed)
- Precious Stones Puzzle with Nomenclature Cards (6-9) (Printed)
- Precious Stones Nomenclature Cards (6-9) (Printed)
- Precious Stone Puzzle
- Precious Stones Research Cards
- Precious Stones
- Precious Stones Task Cards
Related products: Hardness of Minerals Complete Set, Command Box – Natural Finish, Storage Box for Research Cards
Introduction to the Precious Stones Set
In the Montessori classroom, the study of precious stones provides an excellent opportunity to integrate various areas of learning, including geography, science, and language. The set includes real stones corresponding to each card, ensuring a tactile and visual learning experience.
To introduce the topic, begin by inviting a group of children and showing them the real Precious Stones. Discuss briefly what makes a stone “precious” and introduce the concept that these stones come from various places around the world. The origin of each stone is provided on the box of precious stones. Encourage children to share if they’ve seen or heard of any of these stones before.
Demonstrate how to use the Precious Stones Puzzle, show them how to match each tile with the correct frame on the board by first looking at the stone’s image and then finding the corresponding labeled slot. After matching a few tiles, pass around the real stones and allow each child to hold and examine them.
To use Precious Stones Nomenclature Cards as shown in the image, begin by introducing the control booklet, which displays the stones and provides some information. Place the control cards (picture/label) from top to bottom of a working space. Read the description cards and have your learners guess which stone is being described. They may place the label below the description card after controlling their answer using the booklet. Here’s an example of the description card for the Rose Quartz, “_____ is a type of quartz that is known for its pink color. It is one of the most well-liked gemstones worldwide. It is in jewelry. _____ is found in Madagascar.”
To use Precious Stones Research Cards, begin by inviting your learners to explore the cards independently or with guidance. Start by presenting one stone at a time, such as “Sodalite,” “Tiger Eye,” “Amazonite,” and “Red Jasper,” ensuring the corresponding stone samples are available for tactile exploration. Encourage your learners to read the information on each card, which provides details about the stone’s properties, origins, uses, and some fun facts. Following this, engage your learners in a discussion about what they have learned. To deepen understanding, you can ask children to conduct further research on one of the stones and report their findings in their science notebook.
The Precious Stones Task Cards is divided into four sections: Introduction, which provides a general overview of precious stones and their significance; Identifying Stones, where children learn to recognize and name various stones through visual aids and descriptions; Advanced, which tackles the properties and uses of different stones, encouraging more detailed study and exploration; and True/False, a section designed to test and reinforce knowledge through interactive statements and questions.
In conclusion, our complete set for children ages 3-6 and 6-9 will provide all the support needed for learning and maintaining knowledge about common precious stones. The materials have been designed to give access to as many learners as possible. The set offers various means for learning such as real rocks, real pictures, tactile and and self-corrective materials, which not only engage the learners, but also challenge them! For more Montessori-aligned materials, visit our website at www.alisonsmontessori.com.
