Three Domains of Life
The Montessori Biology elementary curriculum introduces biological classification based on cellular structure. Children are presented a series of science charts that allow them to process and classify large amounts of organisms. The first chart introduced to children is the Three Domains of living organisms, followed by the Six Kingdoms: the Prokaryotes (Archaea and Bacteria), the Protists, the Fungus Kingdom, the Plant Kingdom, and the Animal Kingdom.
Living organisms can be classified in three domains: the Archaea (Prokaryotes), the Bacteria (Prokaryotes), and the Eukaryotes (protists, fungi, plants, animals). Our Three Domains charts consists of two charts; one informed chart with the descriptions and pictures, and one working chart to be completed with moveable cards. The three domains are divided into three branches. Each branch contains leaves that exemplify the living organisms.
The essential points for children to learn about the three domains are:
- Archaea (a.k.a. Archaebacteria) are ancient microorganisms that thrive through living in extreme conditions such as high temperature or salty waters. They are unicellular organisms essential to life on Earth. They are considered prokaryotes because they consist of prokaryotic cells, which lack membrane-bound nuclei.
- Bacteria (a.k.a. Eubacteria) are microorganisms that thrive at lower temperatures. They can live in wet or dry environments, and can be unicellular or multicellular organisms. They are considered prokaryotes because they consist of prokaryotic cells as well. They lack a membrane around the genetic materials and organelles, small specialized parts that carry functions within a cell.
- Eukaryota encompass the protists (parasites), the fungi, the plants, and the animals. They are considered eukaryotes, which means they consist of multiple eukaryotic cells, which contain a membrane-bound nucleus and organelles such as mitochondria, lysosome, vacuole, or Golgi apparatus.
The Six Kingdoms
The next presentation after the introduction of the Three Domains is the Six Kingdoms charts presentation. The Six Kingdoms is a breakdown of the Three Domain Charts. The two branches “Archaea” and “Bacteria” are the most primitive living organisms, and therefore; occupy the first two columns on the left. In third position are the Protists, displaying unicellular eukaryotic living organisms. The cells of protists contain a complex structure with a nuclear envelope and organelles. In fourth position are the Fungi; eukaryotic multicellular organisms that do not perform photosynthesis, and get their nutrients from other organisms. Next, in fifth position are the Plants. Plants are made of eukaryotic cells that are different from animals. In addition to the same characteristics as the animal cell, the plant cell has a rigid wall membrane that helps it keep its shape. Finally, the last column to the right, in sixth position, are the Animals. Animals are very sophisticated living organisms, and therefore are placed at the far right of the chart. Animals are made of billions of eukaryotic cells, with a flexible membrane, a membrane-bound nucleus, and several organelles that perform essential functions. The Six Kingdoms of life serves as a springboard for learning each group in greater detail. Children can practice classifying the Six Kingdoms using the mute chart and the description/picture cards. The next charts will explain the characteristics and functions of many living organisms presented in the various charts we have created to support the Montessori biology curriculum or any biology curriculum.
Prokaryotes Charts
The Prokaryote Charts group the Bacteria and Archaea (ancient bacteria) in the same chart. Children can compare and contrast the two groups, which can be similar, or different. Archaea are extremophiles; they inhabit extreme environments with high temperature, salinity, acidity, or alkalinity. On the contrary, bacteria live in more favorable conditions. These prokaryotic organisms are unicellular, and can be classified as gram-negative bacteria or gram-positive bacteria. Unlike gram-negative bacteria, gram-positive bacteria can live in dry environments such as the human skin. This is made possible because of their thicker cell membrane. When the children are done exploring the Prokaryotes chart, they can continue to study by reading the movable cards from the mute chart, and complete it.
The Protists Kingdom Chart
The Protists are the most diverse and unique types of organisms from the Tree of Life. These organisms are similar to plants, animals, and fungi, however; they cannot be placed under those kingdoms. Protists can be categorized as unicellular or multicellular. They have a nucleus which functions as a control center and is, therefore; more complex than the prokaryotes. Protists remain in moist areas such as lakes, oceans, and snow. Also, some use photosynthesis in order to survive. The kingdom has many different phyla and subgroups that have different types of organism such as amoebas and paramecium. The Protista Kingdom chart is divided into the unikonts, protists with a single flagellum to feed and move, and the bikonts, protists with two flagella.
The Fungus Kingdom Charts
Fungi are more complex organisms since they are multicellular. Their size ranges from being small as a single micron to being large as 8.9 km2. They are immobile and are mostly found on land. Instead of photosynthesis they release enzymes to breakdown matter so they can absorb it, which is a process known as absorption. This allows them to be organisms that recycle essential elements such as carbon. So fungi act as the cleanup crew for the rest of the Tree of Life. Our Fungus Kingdom chart is divided into five phyla: Chytridiomycota, Zygomycota, Glomeromycota, Basidiomycota, and Ascomycota. The latter phyla are the most advanced phyla grouped under the name Dikaryomycota. This set consists of an informed chart (as seen above), a mute chart, and cards to construct the kingdom using the mute chart.
The Plant Kingdom Charts
The Plant Kingdom includes a large variety of plants such as ferns and moss. There are thousands of different species of plants spread across the planet. They act as a source of food, medicine, producing oxygen, and their bright colors attract pollinators. Plants thrive by using photosynthesis in order to create their own food. When organisms form their own food it is known as being autotrophic. Most plants use chlorophyll, which uses sunlight to create energy, and creates a green color for the plant. In the Tree of Life, the Kingdom of Plant maintains a balanced environment for the rest of the planet.
The Animal Kingdom Charts
We have divided our Animal Kingdom in two charts, Invertebrates and Vertebrates. There are more than 30 phyla in the Animal kingdom in which 95% of animals are invertebrates. We have included the Porifera, Cnidarian, Platyhelminthes, Mollusca, Annelida, Nematoda, Arthropoda, Echinodermata, and Chordata in Animal Kingdom Invertebrates. You will find Chordata in the Invertebrates chart because some Chordata are considered invertebrates. We have devoted an entire other chart for the Animal Kingdom Vertebrates, which can also be referred as Chordata. All the animals that have a backbone belong to the Chordata phylum, which are fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. Children are usually introduced to the invertebrate animals first and end the study of kingdoms charts with the vertebrate charts.
After all the charts have been introduced, the materials remain available to the children all year round for independent exploration. Children can be encouraged to research additional phyla or expand their knowledge on specific organisms. By classifying living organisms in a logical manner, children gain a deeper understanding and interest in biology. Lower elementary learners should be invited to revisit the charts every year. Other materials should be offered in parallel such as our science puzzles with nomenclature cards:
- Animal Cell Puzzle and Nomenclature
- Plant Cell Puzzle and Nomenclature
- E. coli Bacteria Puzzle and Nomenclature
- Zoology Puzzles and Nomenclature
- Botany Puzzles and Nomenclature
- Botany Nomenclature
- Internal Parts of Vertebrates Puzzles
These classification charts along with elementary biology area using Alison’s Montessori science materials will be a valuable addition to your elementary biology area. Our materials are designed to support the Zoology and Botany Montessori curricula and can be used in a traditional setting as well as home environment.
