Montessori First Great Lesson: Coming of the Earth Science Hands on Activities, Resources, and Free Printables

This term has been a fun journey for our elementary homeschool with children in their second plain aged 6-12 as we delve into the second part of the First Great Lesson — the Coming of the Earth. Building upon our previous exploration of the Coming of the Universe, we now transition into understanding how our planet came to be, igniting our children’s imaginations and broadening their perspectives on the world around them.

First Great Lesson Montessori Nature Free Printables Hands on Activities Science Experiments Coming of Earth

A Deep Dive into Earth’s Formation

At the heart of our exploration is the inquiry into how Earth formed from the remnants of the universe. We begin our journey billions of years ago, tracing the cosmic happenings that set the stage for our planet’s creation.

Using imaginative storytelling and hands-on activities, we discuss the experience of dust and gas swirling in the vacuum of space. By engaging children in dialogues, I invite them to theorize about what they envision when they think of a nebula or the gravity that eventually gives rise to a planet. This open-ended exploration sparks their curiosity and gets them pondering the “whys” and “hows” of our existence.

animals that hibernate montessori nature free printables pegs cards tracing print fall winter

As we build on this foundational knowledge, I introduce some general geographical features of Earth — layers of the Earth, layers of the atmosphere, volcano, seasons, rock life cycle. I use the Montessori method by providing materials such as 3-part cards, charts, and even nature walks to observe these features first-hand.

The children are encouraged to create their own mini-models of different land forms using plasticine and natural materials, evoking a sense of wonder and ownership over their learning. We ask questions like, “Where do mountains form?” or “What’s inside the Earth and why is it magnetic?” Through group discussions, each child shares their thoughts and connects their ideas to the visuals they’ve created. This encourages collaborative thinking and builds a shared understanding of Earth’s features.

Sparking Imagination

One of the beautiful aspects of this exploration is witnessing how the children’s imaginations flourish. As they learn about plate tectonics, earthquakes, and volcanoes, we encourage them to express their thoughts through art, storytelling, or even science experiments that illustrate these concepts.

Creating a Greater Perspective

Beyond the scientific aspect, our discussions often shift toward a philosophical plane. As we contemplate the vastness of the universe and our place within it, we help our children form a sense of belonging and connection to the Earth. We explore questions like, “What does it mean to be a part of this beautiful planet?” and “How can we protect and cherish our home?”

Through this dialogue, we nurture critical thinking and empathy in children, encouraging them to see the environment not just as geographical features, but as living systems interconnected in a delicate balance.

As we continue our exploration of the Great Lessons, the Coming of the Earth theme allows us to delve into the awe-inspiring story of our planet’s formation. It fosters a spirit of inquiry, instills a sense of wonder, and builds connections — not just to the Earth, but to the universe at large.

coming of the earth Breakdown by Topics

Formation of the Earth

Layers of the Earth

Parts of the Globe

Volcano

Rock Life Cycle

Layers of Atmosphere

Seasons

Water Cycle

Clouds

Land and Water Forms

Formation of the earth

Our journey began with the story of how the Earth formed over millions of years. We learned about the swirling mass of dust and gas that eventually came together to create our planet. Using a combination of engaging storytelling and visual aids, we illustrated the dramatic collisions and the gradual cooling that occurred, leading to the formation of a solid crust.

In Montessori elementary education, we approach the concept of the Earth’s formation with creativity, exploration, and a deep respect for natural processes. Central to this exploration is the engaging narrative of the “Dancing of Elements,” which beautifully captures the dynamic relationship between heat and matter during the early formation of the Earth.

Dance of Elements

To introduce the concept of the Earth’s formation, we start with a captivating story about how heat and particles moved in a dance-like cycle.

Imagine the Earth in its infancy, a hot, molten mass of materials swirling together. As the surface began to cool due to exposure to the vastness of cold space, particles on the surface found themselves in a cooler environment. Following the laws of thermodynamics, these particles huddled together, becoming denser and heavier, and subsequently sinking into what would become the Earth’s core.

Meanwhile, beneath this crust, immense heat still existed. The particles in this hot interior were heated, causing them to expand and lose their density. This lighter material would rise again toward the surface, carrying heat away into the atmosphere before it cooled down and sank back again. This cyclical movement—rising and falling—reminds us of a graceful dance; it is the “Dancing of Elements.” Through this narrative, children can visualize and understand the unique interplay between temperature and the behavior of matter in the early Earth.

To reinforce this concept, we engage in creative art projects that allow the children to express the “Dance of Elements.” One project involves creating abstract art.

Child's drawing of a volcano erupting with blue clouds in the sky.

Scientific Experiment: Cooling with Water

To further illustrate how temperature affects matter, you can conduct a hands-on experiment by spraying water onto a hot surface to mimic the cooling process. Heat a baking tray and then spray water on it, observing how the water instantly evaporates. The children learn that temperature varies through this process; just as the Earth cooled, water transforms from liquid to vapor, carrying energy away.

This experiment sparks discussions about changes in states of matter and the importance of heat in both natural phenomena and everyday life.

glass with glue substance and objects in it

Liquids Settle According to Their Weight

Another engaging experiment involves dropping various objects into a jar filled with liquid glue or gel to visualize density and buoyancy. Before starting, discuss the concept of density and weight: why some objects sink while others float.

The children can take turns choosing different items from a collection—bolts, marbles, shells, and beads —and drop them into the jar. As they observe, they see how heavier objects sink to the bottom while lighter objects float.

Resources

The layers of the Earth

Learning about the layers of the Earth can be presented with visual aids and collaborative learning. We used the combination of three-part cards, definition cards, and a cut-and-paste activity. These engaging tools help solidify children’s understanding of the Earth’s structure in a fun and creative way.

Creating a Layered Earth Model with Playdough

picture cards and playdough earth model made with playdough

Creating a model of the Earth using colorful playdough is a fantastic way to explore geological concepts with children. This activity not only engages their creativity but also helps visualize the different layers of the Earth in a tactile and interactive manner.

Creating a Playdough Model of Earth’s Layers

Engaging children in hands-on activities is a fundamental aspect of Montessori education. One fun and educational project you can try with your young learners is creating a colorful model of the Earth using playdough. This activity not only helps children visualize the Earth’s layers but also encourages sensory exploration, fine motor skills, and creative thinking. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making your own Earth model.

Materials Needed:

Different colors of playdough (suggested colors: black, red, orange, yellow, green, blue)
A flat surface for working
A piece of dental floss
A rolling pin (optional)

Step-by-Step Process:

Roll a Ball: Start by taking a piece of black playdough about the size of a golf ball. Roll it into a smooth ball. This ball represents the inner core of the Earth, which is solid and incredibly hot.

Flatten and Wrap: Next, take a piece of red playdough, about the size of the inner core ball. Flatten it into a disc about half an inch thick using your hands or a rolling pin.

Wrap It Up: Carefully wrap the flattened red playdough around the black ball, representing the outer core. Make sure it covers the entire ball completely.

Roll the Mantle Layer: Now, take some orange playdough, approximately the size of the previous layer, and flatten it similarly. Wrap this orange layer around the red one to create the mantle.

Make the Crust: For the thin outer layer representing the Earth’s crust, use brown playdough. Flatten it out and wrap it around the yellow layer. Make sure to cover it completely.

Add the Hydrosphere: Finally, take blue playdough to represent the hydrosphere (oceans and water bodies). Flatten it and wrap it around the crust layer.

Shape the Continents: Use leftover green playdough to create small shapes for the continents. Press them gently onto the blue layer, arranging them as they appear on a real map.

Slice with Dental Floss: To showcase the different layers of your Earth model, take a piece of dental floss. Hold the model securely and insert the floss in the middle, then pull the ends of the floss together to cut the model in half. This reveals the colorful layers of the Earth.

Three-Part Cards: Introduction to the Layers

The first step in our exploration was to continue about Earth’s layers through three-part cards. These cards are a Montessori staple for teaching vocabulary and concepts. Each set consists of:

Picture Cards: These cards depict each layer of the Earth (the crust, mantle, outer core, and inner core) with colorful, clear images that visually convey their distinct characteristics.

Label Cards: These cards include the names of each layer. When using these cards, children work to match the label card with the corresponding picture card, allowing them to make connections between the name and the visual representation.

Definition Cards: Each layer also has a definition card that provides a brief explanation of its properties, composition, and function in the Earth’s structure.

Through working with these cards, children not only learn the proper terminology but also engage in a hands-on experience that encourages critical thinking and reinforces their understanding of each layer’s unique features and functions.

Tips: After matching the three-part cards, children can pair up to create brief presentations about each layer. This peer teaching element fosters cooperation and enhances their confidence as they articulate what they have learned. By discussing the definitions in their own words, they develop a deeper understanding of the material while honing their communication skills.

layers of the earth printable, scissors and glue stick on tray

Cut-and-Paste Activity: Creating the Earth Model

Younger children often enjoy a cut-and-paste activity. This hands-on project allows them to create a tangible model of the Earth, reinforcing their knowledge and promoting fine motor skills.

Materials: Children receive paper templates representing each layer of the Earth: the crust at the top, followed by the mantle, outer core, and inner core. They also have colored paper or art supplies to decorate their layers.

Cutting and Pasting: Using scissors, children carefully cut out the layers of the Earth. They can also personalize their Earth model by adding colors or textures that represent each layer’s characteristics.

Assembly: Children then paste their layers onto a larger sheet of construction paper, stacking them accurately to reflect the Earth’s true structure. This process cements their understanding of how each layer sits on top of the next, and the difference in composition and temperature as one moves deeper into the Earth.

After completing their models, children participate in a reflective discussion about what they learned. This critical step allows them to express their thoughts, ask questions, and engage with their peers about their creations.

Resource

Layers of the Earth printable

The parts of the globe

As we continue our exploration of the Coming of the Earth, we delve into a lesson about the parts of the globe. This experience not only reinforced our understanding of Earth’s geography but also empowered our children to act as teachers, sharing their newfound knowledge with one another.

To kick off our lesson, I wrote the major parts of the globe—like the equator, hemispheres—on small pieces of paper. Using sticky tape, we attached these labels to their corresponding locations on the globe. This tactile method allowed the children to physically engage with the material, making abstract concepts more concrete.

As we placed each label, we discussed the significance of each part. For instance, we talked about the equator and how it divides the world into the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, as well as the various climates found along this imaginary line. The children were particularly fascinated by the concept of latitude and longitude and how it helps us pinpoint exact locations on the Earth.

A Presentation to Siblings

After the labeling activity, one of the children took the initiative to prepare a presentation for their siblings. They took the time to explain each part of the globe, using the labeled globe as a reference. They incorporated their own thoughts and observations, making the presentation even more engaging.

To capture the excitement of this learning experience, we decided to record a video of the presentation. The children took turns presenting, explaining the various elements of the globe, and demonstrating their understanding of geographical concepts. This not only allowed them to reflect on their learning but also provided a sense of accomplishment as they documented their journey. It was a beautiful reminder of the importance of peer learning and how children can often teach one another in profound ways.

This lesson about the parts of the globe was not just an educational exercise; it was a celebration of curiosity, creativity, and collaboration. By allowing our children to take charge of their learning, we witnessed their confidence blossom and their teamwork skills develop. They weren’t just passively absorbing information; they were actively engaging with it, questioning, and teaching.

Resource:

Free printable with checkbox included with the free downloads below

Volcano

Our exploration of Earth’s wonders continues to deepen, next lesson, we turned our attention to the world of volcanoes. Recognized for their dramatic eruptions and breathtaking landscapes, volcanoes have played a crucial role in the formation of the Earth’s crust. Through engaging activities and collaborative learning, we aimed to grasp their significance not only in shaping our planet but also in understanding its dynamic nature.

We began our lesson by discussing how volcanoes are essential to the Earth’s geological processes. It was enlightening to cover the way these powerful structures contribute to the formation and renewal of the crust.

Volcanoes are formed by the movement of tectonic plates, which create openings for molten rock (magma) from deep within the Earth to reach the surface. When this magma erupts, it cools and solidifies, forming new land. This process builds up mountain ranges, islands, and even contributes to the creation of continents over millions of years.

To illustrate this concept, we held a dialogue about how every volcanic eruption is, in essence, a reshaping of the Earth’s surface. The children grasped that volcanoes are not just destructive forces; they also create new land and contribute to the rich biodiversity and ecosystems that emerge in their aftermath.

volcano model with foam coming out of it

Hands-On Learning with Volcano Experiments

To enhance our understanding, we conducted a simple volcano experiment. Using baking soda and vinegar, we simulated a volcanic eruption. They observed how pressure builds up before an eruption and how the materials flow outward when released.

This hands-on experience allowed them to visualize the mechanism of eruptions and how they play a role in the reformation of the Earth’s crust. We discussed the parallels between our experiment and real volcanic activity, encouraging them to draw connections between the science and the spectacle of nature.

Exploring the Parts of Volcanoes

To further consolidate their understanding, the children worked with three-part cards highlighting the different parts of a volcano, such as the crater, magma chamber, vent, and lava. This Montessori approach not only helped them learn vocabulary but also allowed them to classify and understand the function of each component.

For our older children, were given the opportunity to compile information about volcanoes, including their parts, types, and significant eruptions. The children were encouraged to choose specific topics within the lesson that intrigued them most—be it a famous volcano like Mount Vesuvius, the science behind an eruption, or the impact of volcanic activity on ecosystems.

Resources

Rock life cycle

In our ongoing exploration of Earth’s wonders, we explored the rock life cycle. This lesson allowed us to uncover the fascinating processes that form different types of rocks while also learning about precious metals and gemstones. From hands-on activities to expert interviews, our homeschooling experience this week was both enriching and inspiring!

We began our lesson by introducing the basic concepts of the rock life cycle: igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks. To solidify their understanding, we gathered a diverse collection of rocks, showcasing various types. The children took turns examining and attempting to identify each rock, practicing their observational skills and building their vocabulary.

Using a detailed chart, we discussed the characteristics of each rock type and the processes that lead to their formation. To reinforce these concepts, we utilized a sequencing activity that helped the children visualize how rocks transform from one type to another. For instance, we illustrated how igneous rock can become sedimentary rock through weathering and erosion, which, over time, might turn into metamorphic rock under heat and pressure.

rock life cycle cards and charts coloring pencils

The three-part cards provided a way for the children to absorb and categorize the information. As they matched the terms to their definitions and images, they engaged in a hands-on and visual learning experience that deepened their understanding of the rock cycle.

To elevate our learning, we had the unique opportunity to interview a professional who works with precious metals and gemstones. This expert, passionate about geology and jewelry making, shared invaluable insights into the world of precious metals, including gold, silver, and platinum, as well as gemstones like diamonds.

The children prepared questions beforehand, exploring topics such as:

Types of Precious Metals: What are the most popular precious metals, and how do they differ?

Mining Processes: How are these metals extracted from the Earth? What does the process entail?

Transformation into Jewelry: How are raw metals and stones transformed into beautiful pieces of jewelry? What techniques are involved?

Our guest explained the journey a diamond takes—from its formation deep within the Earth to the mining process and, eventually, its transformation into stunning jewelry. The children were fascinated to learn about the intricate work that goes into designing and creating pieces that hold both monetary and sentimental value.

The interview enriched our discussion about the rock life cycle by connecting geological concepts to their practical applications. It answered their curiosities about where some of the beautiful materials they see and wear actually come from. The children began to grasp the idea of sustainability and ethical sourcing, discussing how the mining of precious metals impacts our environment and communities.

Resources

Earth atmosphere

Continuing our journey through Earth’s wonders, we delved into an exciting new topic: the layers of the atmosphere. This lesson introduced children to the essential role the atmosphere plays in supporting life on our planet.

To kick off our lesson, we introduced the five main layers of the atmosphere:

Troposphere: The closest layer to Earth, where we live, breathe, and experience weather. It contains about 75% of the atmosphere’s mass and is where all weather phenomena occur.
Stratosphere: Above the troposphere, this layer houses the ozone layer, which absorbs and scatters harmful solar radiation. It plays a critical role in protecting life on Earth.
Mesosphere: The third layer, where temperatures decrease with altitude. This is also where meteors burn up upon entering the Earth’s atmosphere.
Thermosphere: A layer characterized by high temperatures. Here, the ionosphere resides, which is essential for radio communications, as it reflects radio waves back to Earth.
Exosphere: The outermost layer of the atmosphere, where the air is extremely thin. It gradually transitions into outer space and is where satellites orbit the Earth.

We discussed each layer’s characteristics, significance, and how they all interconnect. To reinforce our understanding, we looked at visuals and diagrams that depicted these layers in a clear way.

Hands-On Scientific Experiments

To make the concept of the atmosphere more tangible, there are simple scientific experiments that allow the children to explore phenomena related to the atmosphere. First, we cut an orange in half to show how thick the atmosphere layer proportionally to the Earth. Here are a few other ways to teach about layers of atmosphere:

Creating a Mini Atmosphere: Used a clear glass jar, a small candle, and water to illustrate how the atmosphere supports life. Lite the candle and place it inside the jar, observe how the flame extinguished after consuming the oxygen. This can lead to discussions about the importance of oxygen in the troposphere.

Jar of Magic Spaces: Conduct a density experiment by layering liquids of different densities in a clear jar. This visual representation helps illustrate how different gases (and liquids) exist in distinct layers based on density.

To culminate our learning experience, we organized a collective craft project where the children created a model of the layers of the atmosphere. Using colored paper, scissors, glue, and markers, they collaborated to construct three-dimensional representations of each layer.

layers of atmosphere craft and book with orange cut in half

They collectively designed and labeled each layer, incorporating key facts and figures as they worked together. This hands-on project not only reinforced their understanding but also encouraged teamwork and creativity. The final product—a large wall poster of the atmosphere layers—served as a wonderful visual reminder of our exploration and can be referred back to in future lessons.

Resource :

Layers of thr Atmosphere 3 Part Cards, Information, Student Book, Charts, Follow up

Seasons

Continuing our exploration of Earth’s natural phenomena, we turned our attention to the concept of seasons. Understanding why we have different seasons gives our children a greater appreciation for the world around them and how it affects our daily lives. With hands-on activities, sorting printables, and a fun model demonstrating Earth’s rotation around the sun, this lesson on seasons proved to be both educational and enjoyable!

We began our exploration by discussing what causes the seasons. The children learned that the tilt of the Earth’s axis and its orbit around the sun create variations in sunlight and temperature throughout the year. We talked about the four main seasons: spring, summer, autumn (or fall), and winter, each bringing its unique weather patterns and natural phenomena.

To help the children visualize this concept, we used sorting printables that displayed different seasonal elements—such as clothing, activities, and weather conditions associated with each season. The kids worked in pairs to categorize the images, deepening their understanding of seasonal changes by connecting them with relevant visuals and experiences.

Creating a Model of Earth’s Rotation

Next, we created a model to demonstrate how the Earth rotates around the sun, showcasing the relationship between the Earth’s tilt, its orbit, and the changing seasons. Using free printables, we crafted a simple model that illustrated the sun at the center and the Earth in its elliptical orbit.

The Fun Experiment: Globe and Flashlight

To further solidify our understanding of seasonal changes, we conducted an engaging experiment using a globe and a flashlight. This activity allowed the children to observe the effects of sunlight on the Earth’s surface as it rotates on its axis and orbits around the sun.

Here’s how we did it:

Setup: We set up a table with a globe and a flashlight. The flashlight represented the sun, and we positioned it at one end of the table, shining light onto the globe.

Demonstration: One child held the globe while another handled the flashlight. As the flashlight beamed onto the globe, the child holding the globe rotated it slowly to mimic the Earth’s rotation on its axis.

Observations: The children observed how the light from the flashlight affected different parts of the globe in real-time. They witnessed how the areas lit by the flashlight simulating the sun experienced “daylight,” while the opposite side was in “nighttime.”

Seasons Exploration: We then tilted the globe slightly to represent the Earth’s axial tilt while continuing to rotate it. The children noted how the sunlight illuminated different parts of the globe at varying angles, creating the sensation of changing seasons. They could see why certain regions (like those nearer to the equator) receive more sunlight throughout the year, while others have more pronounced seasonal changes.

picture of the earth rotating about the sun, globe and book

I made a free printable titled “The Earth Goes Around the Sun” is an engaging educational resource designed to help children understand the concept of seasons through hands-on learning. This activity encourages children to explore the cyclical nature of seasons by illustrating all four on a single page. As part of their seasons project, children can express their creativity by drawing distinct scenes representing spring, summer, autumn, and winter, highlighting unique characteristics such as blooming flowers, sunny beach days, colorful fall leaves, and snowy landscapes. This not only reinforces their understanding of the Earth’s orbit and its effects on seasonal changes but also fosters artistic expression and critical thinking as they contemplate the differences and similarities between the seasons.

picture of the earth rotating about the sun

Resources:

The Earth Goes Around the Sun Free Printable

Seasons Fact Cards Sorting Activity

Seasonal Clothing Free Printable

Seasons Picture Cards

Seasonal Bundle for Preschool

Seasonal Bundle for Kindergarten

Water Cycle

Continuing your First Great Lesson with the Water Cycle topic was a captivating topic for children, as the water cycle is a fundamental concept that connects various aspects of Earth science. Here’s how you can delve deeper into the Water Cycle, including a scientific experiment and some fun facts to engage the children.

The Water Cycle: Overview

Before diving into the experiment, it’s essential to recap the key components of the water cycle to provide children with a foundational understanding. The water cycle includes:

Evaporation: Water from oceans, rivers, and lakes turns into vapor and rises into the atmosphere.
Condensation: Water vapor cools and forms clouds.
Precipitation: Water falls back to Earth in the form of rain, snow, sleet, or hail.
Collection: Water collects in bodies of water, groundwater, and the soil, starting the cycle again.

Scientific Experiment: Mini Water Cycle Model

Objective: To demonstrate the water cycle in a controlled environment using simple materials.

Materials Needed:

A clear, sealed plastic container with a lid (like a terrarium or aquarium container)
Water
Small rocks or pebbles
Soil (optional)
A small plant (optional)
Sunlight source (like a window)

Procedure:

Preparation: Place a layer of small rocks at the bottom of the container for drainage. If using soil, add a layer of soil on top of the rocks.
Add Water: Pour a small amount of water into the container (enough to create moisture but not to submerge the rocks).
Introduce Plants (optional): If you’re using a small plant, place it in the soil. This will help illustrate transpiration.
Seal the Container: Place the lid on the container to create a closed environment.
Sunlight: Place the container in a sunny spot or under a light source to provide warmth.
Observation: Over time, the children can observe the water evaporating and condensing on the walls of the container, eventually dripping back down, mimicking the water cycle.

Discussion Points: Encourage children to talk about what they see happening. Ask questions like:

Where do you think the water is going when it evaporates?
What happens to the droplets on the lid?
How does this process relate to the water cycle outside?

Fun and Exciting Facts About the Earth’s Water Cycle

Earth’s Water Source: About 71% of the Earth’s surface is covered by water, but only about 2.5% of that is fresh water. The rest is salt water found in the oceans!

Ancient Water: The water you drink has been on Earth for millions of years. It may have once been part of a dinosaur’s drink or a rain cloud.

Energy Transition: The water cycle is powered by the sun! The sun’s energy drives the process of evaporation, warming the water and putting it into the atmosphere.

Cloud Types: Not all clouds are the same! There are over 10 different types of clouds, and they can hold enough water to produce significant precipitation.

Transpiration: Plants play a crucial role in the water cycle through a process called transpiration, which is like sweating for plants. They release water vapor from their leaves into the atmosphere.

Continuous Cycle: The water cycle is a continuous loop. Water moves from one place to another and changes forms without ever really disappearing.

By exploring the water cycle through this engaging experiment and discussing the fun facts, children not only deepen their understanding of Earth sciences but also spark their curiosity about the natural world around them.

In Montessori education, concepts are often presented in the form of stories because storytelling engages children’s imaginations and emotions, making complex ideas more relatable and memorable. This narrative approach allows children to visualize and internalize concepts by placing them within a context that often includes characters or relatable scenarios, sparking curiosity and fostering a deeper understanding.

Additionally, stories encourage active participation, as children become invested in the journey and experiences of the characters, enabling them to explore and connect with various concepts in a way that feels dynamic and meaningful, rather than abstract or purely factual.

The Journey of Water: A Story of the Water Cycle

Once upon a time, in a beautiful world filled with mountains, rivers, lakes, and oceans, there lived a tiny water droplet named Drop. Drop was not just any droplet; Drop belonged to a vast ocean that stretched as far as the eye could see.

One warm, sunny day, the sun shone brightly over the ocean. The sun’s rays warmed the water, and Drop felt something magical happening. “What’s happening to me?” Drop wondered as the warmth enveloped him. With a little shimmer and sparkle, Drop transformed from a liquid into a gas, rising into the air. This process is called evaporation.

As Drop floated higher and higher into the sky, he joined many other water droplets to form a fluffy cloud. Inside the cloud, he met other droplets who shared stories of their time in the rivers and lakes. They laughed and danced together, enjoying their new home in the sky. This gathering of water droplets is known as condensation, as they come together to form a cloud.

As more and more droplets joined the cloud, it grew heavier and darker. “I think it’s time for us to go back to the Earth!” said a big, round droplet named Cloudy. “When we get heavy with water, we will fall back down.” This moment is called precipitation, and it can happen as rain, snow, or even hail.

Suddenly, out of the cloud, Drop felt himself tumbling down, down, down. “Wheeee!” he exclaimed as he fell through the sky and landed softly on the green leaves of a tree. “What a great landing!” Drop was happy to be back on Earth.

But there was so much more to explore. When the sun shone again, Drop decided to join his friends in a small creek nearby. As he slipped into the cool, clear water, he carried tiny bits of minerals and nutrients that would help plants and animals grow. Drop swirled and danced in the creek, winding his way through tunnels and over rocks.

After spending some time in the creek, Drop was ready for another adventure. The sun’s warmth once again called to him. As the water in the creek warmed up, Drop started to feel light and airy again. With a gentle puff of wind, Drop rose into the air, joining his cloud friends once more.

From the sky, Drop watched the rivers and lakes sparkling below. He realized that he had traveled far and wide—through clouds, over land, and into the hearts of plants and animals. This journey, he learned, was part of something much bigger called the water cycle.

The water cycle is always happening, moving water from place to place and changing it into different forms. Water can be a droplet in the ocean, a cloud in the sky, or a stream flowing through the forest. And Drop knew he would continue to travel in many different ways: sometimes as snow on the mountains, sometimes as vapor in a warm breeze, and other times as raindrops watering a garden.

As Drop looked down at the Earth, he felt a sense of belonging. He was a small part of a great, continuous journey of water—supporting life, shaping landscapes, and connecting all living things together.

And so, the journey of water continued, with each droplet discovering new adventures as it traveled through the water cycle, forever transforming, inspiring, and nurturing life on our beautiful planet.

Resource:

Download PDF version of the story via Great Lesson printables below

Clouds

As our theme of Earth’s natural phenomena continued, we turned our gaze upward to explore the fascinating world of clouds. This lesson not only deepened understanding of weather patterns but also sparked creativity as children engage in hands-on learning. Through the use of three-part cards, cloud identification activities, and a delightful crafting project with cotton balls, the children immersed themselves in the science of clouds.

Understanding Clouds and Their Types

We kicked off our cloud exploration by discussing what clouds are and their role in the atmosphere. The children learned that clouds are formed when water vapor rises, cools, and condenses into tiny droplets or ice crystals. We explored the different types of clouds—cumulus, stratus, cirrus, and nimbus—and their associated weather patterns.

To help the children grasp these concepts, we utilized three-part cards. Each card set included an image of a specific cloud type, its name, and a description of its characteristics. The three-part cards fostered interactive learning as the children matched the images with their names and definitions.

Cloud Identification Activity

To complement learning, children can engage in a cloud identification activity where they observe the sky and attempt to identify various cloud types. They can describe the clouds they see, encouraging critical thinking and observational skills.

Crafting with Cotton Balls: Creating Cloud Models

The children gathered materials, including cotton balls, scissors, and construction paper.

Here’s how we approached this craft project:

Preparation: Each child chose one or more types of clouds to create. We discussed their characteristics again, emphasizing how different clouds vary in shape, size, and texture.
Crafting: Using cotton balls, the children crafted their chosen cloud types. For instance:

Cumulus Clouds: They shaped the cotton balls into fluffy, rounded forms, reminiscent of the classic white “puffy” clouds.
Stratus Clouds: They flattened the cotton balls to mimic the layered, gray appearance of stratus clouds.
Cirrus Clouds: They pulled apart and stretched the cotton to create wispy, delicate formations.
Nimbus Clouds: They combined cotton balls to form dark, heavy-looking clouds laden with moisture.

Resource:

Types of Clouds, Weather Daily Report, Cloud Identifier Printable

land and water Forms

Then we shifted our focus to understanding the various land and water forms that shape our planet. This lesson allowed the children to engage their creativity, enhance their map-reading skills, and deepen their geographic knowledge through hands-on activities and model-making.

We began the lesson by introducing the eight land and water forms we would explore: lake, island, archipelago, systems of lakes, bay, isthmus, strait, cape, peninsula, and gulf. Each of these features plays a unique role in our ecosystem and geography.

Using visuals and discussion, we examined the characteristics of each land and water form. For example, we talked about:

Lakes: Large bodies of water surrounded by land.
Islands: Land masses completely surrounded by water.
Archipelagos: Groups of islands clustered together.
Systems of Lakes: Groups of lakes interconnected by rivers or streams.
Bays: Bodies of water partially surrounded by land, typically with a wide opening.
Capes: Points of land that extend into a body of water.
Peninsulas: Land surrounded by water on three sides but connected to the mainland.
Gulfs: Large areas of water partially surrounded by land, typically larger than a bay.

Hands-On Modeling with Plasticine and Water

To encourage experiential learning, we set up a fun activity where the children created models of these land and water forms using plasticine and water. Here’s how we tackled this creative project:

Model Creation:

Each child received a variety of plasticine colors. They were guided to sculpt models of each land and water form.
For example, they shaped a blue plasticine base to create lakes and used green plasticine for adjacent land to depict islands. They molded a peninsula and surrounded it with water, designed bays and capes, and crafted a system of lakes intertwined with rivers.

Water Representation:

To provide a realistic touch, we used shallow trays filled with water to place their models. The children arranged their landforms and watched as they interacted with the water, discussing how these features would appear in the real world.

Sorting and Three-Part Cards

To deepen their understanding further, we used sorting and three-part cards. The three-part cards included labeled images and descriptions of each land and water form, allowing the children to connect the terms to their creations.

Creating Student Booklets

In addition to the hands-on modeling, I provided student booklets for the children to color and label their drawings of the different land and water forms. This activity allowed them to express their creativity while reinforcing their learning.

They carefully colored each form and wrote descriptions or interesting facts beside their illustrations, which encouraged them to think critically about what they had learned.

Exploring Land and Water Forms in Homeland – Australia

To solidify this lesson, we shifted our focus to Australia, exploring the diversity of land and water forms found in that country. We utilized maps to locate specific features, such as:

Great Barrier Reef (a major system of islands)
Sydney Harbour (a well-known bay)
Peninsula of Cape York
Lake Eyre (an example of a significant lake)

The children engaged in an interactive map activity where they searched for and marked these features, discussing their significance and any interesting facts they discovered about each landmark.

Resources:

All About the Earth Pack

Land and Water Forms Printable

At the conclusion of the First Great Lesson, the children did a creative project to showcase their newfound knowledge. They designed colorful posters that creatively integrated a variety of facts, charts, and images, each chosen to enhance their presentations. They depicted key concepts such as the origins of the universe and the key Earth science concepts they learned. As the children practiced their presentations in front of family and friends, the visuals on their posters served as tools that complemented their spoken words, making the complex ideas more accessible and engaging. This blend of creativity and learning not only deepened their understanding but also fostered a spirit of collaboration and celebration within the family.

First Great Lesson Montessori Nature Free Printable Hands on Activities Science Experiments Coming of the Earth

Anticipating Our Journey into the Second Great Lesson – The Coming of Life

As we wrap up our engaging exploration of Earth’s intriguing features—from the dynamic layers of the atmosphere to the diverse land and water forms—our educational journey is poised to take an exciting turn. Our next series of lessons will be dedicated to the Second Great Lesson: The Coming of Life.

This profound theme invites us to delve into the origins of life on our planet and explore the interconnectedness of living organisms within ecosystems. Our upcoming lessons will not only cover the biological fundamentals and the diverse forms of life that inhabit Earth but also emphasize the delicate balance that sustains these ecosystems.

I plan to incorporate hands-on activities, creative projects, and interactive discussions that are meant to spark children’s curiosity and encourage them to think critically about life in all its forms. This series will be a celebration of biodiversity, illuminating how life evolved, adapted, and thrived in the myriad environments of our planet.

First Great Lesson Montessori Nature Free Printable Coming of the Earth

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