Chemistry, Geology 3-6, 6-9
Materials
- The Puzzle Layers of the Atmosphere set:
- a Wooden Puzzle Layers of the Atmosphere
- a Control Chart
- The Nomenclature Cards Layers of the Atmosphere set (see picture below):
- 17 Description Cards labeled
- 17 Description Cards unlabeled
- 17 Pictures labeled
- 17 Pictures unlabeled
- 2 Sets of 17 labels to complete the unlabeled cards
- a Control Chart
- a Booklet
- a Blackline Master to color and label
What makes the materials unique?
- The graphics and colors are stunning and call for attention. The puzzle contains both layers of the atmosphere and layers of the earth. Children see the two sets of layers as a whole as they are interdependently part of the Earth.
- The Karman Line is represented, and not often found in other Montessori materials. The Karman Line is an attempt to define the demarcation between air space and outer space.
- The set of nomenclature cards contains a rich content to spark interest: altitude of each layer in kilometers, temperature, gases, Sun’s rays, natural events occurring and why, earth composition (elements). Other terms will be encountered as well: ozone layer, lithosphere, asthenosphere, continental crust, oceanic crust, and northern lights.
How to use the materials.
- Children always want to begin by labeling the puzzles with the wooden arrows. They get familiar with the parts of the puzzles in a concrete manner.
- After having placed the arrows, children can lay out the puzzle on the mat. This way, they can see all the parts of the puzzle. The puzzle helps children process the knowledge by organizing the pieces.
- Finally, the children organized the nomenclature cards. They first matched the definitions to the pictures. Later, they will use the close test (blank) cards to add some challenge. The close test cards allow them to assess if they know enough information for each component of the puzzle. Of course, sometimes they cannot be sure, and that is when they refer to the booklet. They know they are not required to memorize, it often occurs naturally and effortlessly when the interest is high.
- The extension for this work is researching about the parts of the puzzle, making a copy of the Master Blackline, color it, and label it. Children can also draw their own diagram in a science notebook and write about anything that may inspire them. There are many components to research: aurora borealis, satellites, meteoroids, seismic activities, ozone, etc…
