Montessori Second Great Lesson: Coming of Life Science Hands on Activities, Resources, and Free Printables

The Second Great Lesson in the Montessori curriculum is all about the “Coming of Life.” This lesson invites children to explore the origins of life on Earth, including the evolution of plants and animals. It is presented in a grand way, often beginning with a captivating storytelling session that captures the imagination of the students. The aim is to help children understand how life began and the various forms it has taken over millions of years. With this knowledge, children begin to appreciate the diversity of life that surrounds them.

Second Great Lesson Montessori Nature Printables Hands On Learning Activities Free Printable Homeschool Science Evolution Coming of Life Elementary

Understanding the Coming of Life is essential for young learners because it emphasizes the interconnection of all living things. It allows students to grasp that humans, plants, and animals are part of a larger ecosystem, all dependent on one another for survival. This lesson encourages empathy and respect for all forms of life and fosters a sense of responsibility towards the environment. As children see the connections in nature, they learn that they play a vital role in the ongoing story of life on Earth.

Flowing from the First Great Lesson

The Second Great Lesson flows naturally from the First Great Lesson, which is about the “Coming of the Universe and Coming of the Earth.” In this first lesson, children learn about the formation of the universe, the Earth, and the conditions that made life possible. The transition from the vastness of the universe to the rich and intricate beginnings of life on our planet creates a beautiful narrative that keeps students engaged. They can visualize how the Earth transformed over time and how life inevitably emerged from its surface.

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

By building on this prior knowledge, the Second Great Lesson encourages students to appreciate how life emerged in the context of a dynamic planet. This progression enhances comprehension, inviting learners to connect the cosmic story to their own world.

You can read Why We Teach Life Evolution When Exploring the Second Great Lesson in Our Christian Homeschool – Embracing Faith, Science, and Philosophy here.

Teaching History, Geography, and Biology

The Second Great Lesson allows educators to seamlessly integrate subjects like history, geography, and biology. For example, as students learn about the coming of life, they can explore how different regions of the world support various life forms, from lush rainforests to arid deserts. History comes into play when discussing the evolution of living organisms and how they adapted to changing environments. In a Montessori environment, the interconnectedness of these subjects is emphasized, showing how they all contribute to our understanding of life on Earth.

Through this lesson, students can examine:

History: Exploring the evolution of life on Earth and the major events that have shaped its trajectory, such as mass extinctions and the rise of civilizations.
Geography: Investigating how different climates, landscapes, and ecosystems affect where life can thrive, prompting discussions about biomes and habitats.
Biology: Learning about cell structure, the characteristics of living organisms, and the principles of evolution through engaging activities and experiments.

Second GREAT LESSON: OUR HOMESCHOOL EXPERIENCE

In our homeschool journey, we’ve embraced the Second Great Lesson through hands-on experiences that make concepts tangible for our children. Here are some of the ways we’ve explored the coming of life, fostering an environment of inquiry and discovery – science experiments, reading books on topics of interest, student research projects, educational videos, field trips, critical thinking. As we examined different life forms and their interactions, we encouraged our children to ask questions and explore their curiosities.

I chose to wait until my children were all able to join, participate, and fully enjoy the exploration of the Great Lessons. While we had touched on related topics during earlier homeschool years, I believed that diving deep into the Great Lessons as a group would create more engaging dynamics. Having everyone join in on their different levels within elementary age group of 6 – 12 allows for richer discussions, where each child can contribute their thoughts, ask questions, and share their unique perspectives. This collaborative learning experience not only strengthens their understanding but also fosters a sense of community and excitement around the new concepts.

To guide our exploration of the Second Great Lesson, I created a roadmap that highlights key themes and topics we would cover. Here is a brief overview of the ideas and resources we implemented along the way:

Clock of Eras

Hadean Eon

Archean Eon

Ocean

Proterozoic Eon

Parts of a Cell

Paleozoic Era

Animal Classification

Invertebrates

Fossils

Mushrooms and Fungi Cell

Plant Classification

Fish

Amphibians

Mesozoic Era

Reptiles

Cenozoic Era

Parts of a Flower

Mammals

Sun and Energy Flow

Biomes

Rainforest

Wetlands

Deciduous biome

Grasslands

Desert

Taiga

Tundra

Biomes of Australia

You can download this list in a form of check list and planner below.

clock of eras

Our journey into the Second Great Lesson began with an engaging storytelling session about the Story of Life, accompanied by a captivating video introduction to the Great Lesson. This combination set the stage for an exciting exploration of the origins of life on Earth, helping my children visualize and connect with the content on a deeper level.

To complement our understanding, we introduced the Clock of Eras lesson. This creative visual tool allows us to condense the vast timeline of our planet into an easily comprehensible 24-hour format, where hours represent significant geological and biological milestones. Children were excited to take ownership of their learning by creating their own timeline.

As we delved into this lesson, it became very clear: humanity, in the grand chronology of Earth, has only existed for a mere few seconds on this cosmic clock. In this exploration, we were reminded just how fleeting our presence is in comparison to the colossal stretches of time that featured the formation of mountains, the rise and fall of ancient species, and the evolution of diverse ecosystems.

child's drawing of life evolution in the form of a heart

Then we examined history of our planet by watching videos about different eons and eras. An eon is a huge chunk of time in Earth’s history, and within each eon, there are smaller time periods called eras.

As we were watching, children created their timeline. They drew pictures and marked the events they thought were the most interesting or significant. This helped everyone visualize Earth’s history and understand how long and complex it is.

As we followed along with the videos, we made a point to pause periodically to discuss key concepts and events. This allowed us to explore their thoughts and questions, fostering an open dialogue that encouraged critical thinking. The discussions also helped them synthesize the information they were absorbing and made the learning experience feel much more collaborative.

children's drawing of the hadeon eon timeline

During the Hadean Eon, which lasted from around 4.6 billion years ago to about 4 billion years ago, the Earth was still very young. It was a hot, chaotic place with lots of volcanoes and hardly any water. The surface was covered in molten rock, and there were no living things—just a wild and fiery planet. As time went on, the Earth cooled down, and some water started to form, creating oceans.

After the Hadean Eon came the Archean Eon, which lasted from about 4 billion to 2.5 billion years ago. By this time, the Earth was cooler, and the oceans were filled with water. This is when the first signs of life appeared! Tiny organisms called bacteria began to live in the water. They were so small that you couldn’t see them without a microscope. These early life forms produced oxygen, which slowly changed the atmosphere.

So, during the Hadean Eon, the Earth was too hot for life, but in the Archean Eon, the first living things started to emerge in the oceans. This was a crucial step toward the rich variety of life we see today.

Resources:

Clock of Eras, Hadeon Eon, Archean Eon Videos:

Clock of Eras, Hadeon Eon, Archean Eon Printables:

Second Great Lesson Children’s Books:

book for children about evolution on earth

ocean biome

To explore the ocean, rock pools are a fantastic place to start! They provide a hands-on experience where children can observe marine life up close. When we visit these pools, we can find all sorts of interesting creatures. One great example is the chiton.

Chitons are small, shell-like animals that may look a bit like trilobites, which are ancient sea creatures. Although they look similar, chitons and trilobites are not closely related at all. This is a wonderful opportunity for children to learn about the diversity of life in the ocean and how different creatures can share similar features without being related.

Resources:

Experiment: Grow Your Own Bacteria

Demonstrating the growth of bacteria can be both educational and fun for children, particularly in the context of teaching about early life on Earth. Here’s a simple and safe experiment you can conduct with children.

To observe the growth of bacteria and understand the conditions that support microbial life, while discussing what early life on Earth might have looked like.

Materials Needed:

Petri dishes (or any shallow transparent containers with lids)
Agar powder (can be purchased from scientific supply stores or online)
Distilled water
Stirring stick or spoon
Heat source (microwave or stovetop for making agar)
Samples for inoculation (e.g., a small swab from surfaces like skin, kitchen counter, or a slice of bread)
Marker to label dishes
Safety gloves (optional)
Camera (to document growth)
Notebook for observations

Procedure:

Prepare the Agar:

Follow the instructions on the agar package to prepare the nutrient medium. Typically, you’ll need to mix agar powder with distilled water and heat it until it dissolves completely. Allow it to cool slightly but not solidify.

Pour the Agar:

Carefully pour the liquid agar into the Petri dishes, filling them about halfway. Leave them uncovered for a few minutes to allow any bubbles to escape. Once it starts to solidify, cover the dishes with their lids.

Inoculate the Dishes:

Use a sterile swab or your finger (with gloves) to collect samples from different surfaces. Lightly swipe the swab over the surface of the agar in each Petri dish. You can label the dishes for where each sample came from.

Incubate:

Place the Petri dishes in a warm, dark location (like a cupboard) for a few days. Ideally, maintain a temperature of around 30-37°C (86-98°F), as this is optimal for bacterial growth.

Observe:

After about 2-7 days, check the dishes daily and note any changes. Children can document their observations in a notebook, noting the time, temperature, and environment.

Discuss:

Once you see growth (small colonies), discuss what the children are seeing. Highlight:

The conditions that lead to life (warmth, moisture, nutrients).

The relevance of bacteria as one of the earliest life forms on Earth.

Safety Precautions:

Ensure participants wash their hands thoroughly after handling the samples and agar dishes.

Do not open the Petri dishes once they are inoculated to prevent exposure to potentially harmful bacteria. Dispose of the agar dishes properly after the experiment.

Proterozoic Eon, parts of a cell

During the Proterozoic Eon, which lasted a very long time—about 2.5 billion years—interesting changes happened on Earth. This eon is a longest chapter in the story of our planet.

There were tiny living things called bacteria. These bacteria were super important because they helped create oxygen in the atmosphere, which is what we breathe today.

As time went on, more complex life forms began to appear. Around 1 billion years ago, small jellyfish-like creatures and simple seaweeds started to swim in the oceans. These living things were the first steps toward the big diversity of life we see today.

The Proterozoic Eon also saw the first supercontinents, which are huge landmasses formed by the movement of Earth’s plates. One famous supercontinent was called Rodinia.

The children continued working on their own timelines, adding events and illustrations to help them explore the Proterozoic Eon. Along with this, they did some fun vocabulary work where they learned new words related to what they were studying. Drawing pictures to go with the words helped them remember.

child's drawing of the earth and worksheet

Next, we learned about the parts of a cell. To make this idea easier to understand, we used an egg to illustrate the different parts of a cell. The shell represented the cell wall, while the egg white and yolk showed important parts inside the cell.

picture of a plant cell and broken egg in a glass container

Then, the children built their own plant cell using a printable model. They cut out different shapes and colors to represent the various parts, like the nucleus and chloroplasts, and put them together to see how they fit.

book for children about plant and animal cells

Resources:

Paleozoic Era

The Paleozoic Era lasted for about 300 million years. It started with simple ocean creatures like jellyfish swimming in the sea. But as time went on, the oceans began to fill with more complex life, including big fish, giant sharks, and even the first turtles.

book for children about evolution of life

Then, something very interesting happened: plants started to move onto land. At first, there were just simple plants like moss and ferns. But as the Paleozoic Era went on, forests filled with tall trees began to grow.

The first insects, like big dragonflies, started buzzing around, and even the first amphibians, which are animals that can live both in water and on land, began to hop about.

Near the end of the Paleozoic Era, giant reptiles called dinosaurs began to appear in the oceans and on land. This era was a time of great change and new beginnings, setting the stage for even more amazing life in the future.

Animal Classification – Invertebrates

The children had a fun time exploring animal classification, starting with invertebrates – animals without a backbone, and they come in many shapes and sizes.

Invertebrates evolved in exciting stages over millions of years, leading to the incredible variety of species we see today.

Tiny Beginnings: It all started with tiny, simple creatures like bacteria and single-celled organisms in the oceans. These were the first forms of life on Earth!

Simple Sea Animals: Then, more complex animals began to appear, like jellyfish and sponges. These soft-bodied creatures didn’t have bones or shells, but they thrived in the oceans.

Hard Shells: Over time, some invertebrates, like clams and snails, developed hard shells to protect themselves. This gave them a better chance of surviving against predators.

The Great Cambrian Explosion: About 540 million years ago, a big change happened known as the Cambrian Explosion. Many new types of invertebrates appeared, like trilobites, which were hard-shelled creatures that lived in the sea.

Worms and Arthropods: Some invertebrates evolved into worms, while others, like insects, spiders, and crustaceans, became arthropods with jointed legs and exoskeletons.

Today, invertebrates make up about 95% of all animal species, showing how diverse life can be! Each stage of evolution helped them adapt and thrive in different environments on Earth.

posters and cards with different types of invertebrate animals

First, we looked at different types of invertebrates, like jellyfish, crabs, and worms. The kids did some sorting and classifying activities, where they grouped these animals based on their features. This helped them see how unique and diverse invertebrates can be.

a picture of a jellyfish printing on a piece of paper next to a jellyfish craft made by a child

After that, the children got creative. Each child chose their favorite invertebrate and made their own version using construction materials like cardboard, pipe cleaners, and markers.

To wrap up our exploration, we went on a field trip to a museum and butterfly garden that show local flora and fauna. At the museum, the kids saw many different plants and animals that live in our area. They learned how these living things fit into the environment and connected to our earlier lessons about invertebrates.

Resources:

book for children about evolution of life in the ocean

Fossils

Learning about fossils is always exciting for children, especially when we connect it to the Second Great Lesson about the origins and evolution of life on Earth. Fossils help scientists understand the history of our planet and how living things have changed over time.

There are several types of fossils, each formed in unique ways.

Body Fossils: These are the actual remains of plants or animals, like bones or shells, preserved in rocks over time.
Trace Fossils: These fossils show evidence of an animal’s activity, such as footprints, burrows, or nests left behind.
Mold Fossils: These form when an organism leaves an imprint in sediment that hardens into rock, creating a mold.
Cast Fossils: These occur when minerals fill a mold fossil, creating a solid replica of the original organism.
Amber Fossils: These are organisms trapped in tree resin that hardens, preserving them in great detail.

To make this lesson more fun, I hid a few objects and gave children some clues to help them find them. Once they found the figurines, we talked about the different types of fossils.

child pressing plastic dinosaurs against playdough

Then, we had a great time making prints with different animal figures in playdough. The children pressed the animals into the playdough to leave an imprint, just like a fossil. After that, their friends had to guess which animal left the print.

Resources:

Fossils 101 | National Geographic by National Geographic

fungi

Scientists believe that fungi first showed up on land about 1.5 billion years ago, well before plants and animals. They likely started as tiny organisms in the soil and water.

drawing of parts of a mushrooms and mushroom cards

In the early stages of Earth’s history, fungi played a key role. They helped break down dead plants and animals, recycling nutrients back into the soil. This process was essential because it kept the soil healthy and allowed plants to grow.

As time went on, fungi evolved and became more complex. Some fungi formed special partnerships with plants, helping them absorb water and nutrients from the soil. In return, the plants provided sugars and food for the fungi. This teamwork helped both groups grow and thrive.

Fungi also became important for other processes, such as decomposing organic matter and forming symbiotic relationships with various organisms, including animals and plants. Over millions of years, fungi evolved into many different types, like mushrooms, molds, and yeasts.

mushroom life cycle picture cards, labels and completed child worksheet

The children started by dissecting real mushrooms, which helped them see the different parts, like the cap, gills, and stem. To make their learning more indepth, they used printables and worksheets to label and understand what each part does.

button mushrooms on a wooden tray with cards depicting parts of mushrooms, tweezers, magnifying glass

After exploring mushrooms, the kids cooked a delicious mushroom dish together – mushrooms in butter with onios and eggs.

Next, we did a fun experiment to see how fungus grows. We took an apple and cut it into pieces. One piece was handled with dirty hands, while another was touched with clean hands. The kids were eager to see what would happen. They noticed that the mold grew much faster on the piece touched with dirty hands. The dirt provided extra tiny living things for the mold to eat, which made it grow differently and quicker.

To round out our learning, we watched videos that explained the role of fungi in our everyday lives. We learned how fungi are not just in mushrooms; they help with food, medicine, and even breaking down waste.

Resources:

Parts of a Plant and Plant Evolution

Plants first appeared on Earth about 475 million years ago, and they began as tiny, simple organisms living in water. These early plants were much smaller than the plants we see today. They started out as green algae, and over time, they evolved into more complex forms.

As plants began to grow and spread, they started to do something very important: they produced oxygen. Through a process called photosynthesis, plants take in sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to make their own food and release oxygen into the air. This extra oxygen made the atmosphere more breathable for animals, helping life on Earth to thrive.

Plants also played a vital role in shaping the environment. They created habitats for many animals, providing food and shelter. As plants evolved, they became taller and developed roots and leaves. This helped hold the soil together, preventing erosion and making the land stable.

Over millions of years, plants became diverse, with many species adapted to different environments, from deserts to rainforests. They form the basis of most food chains and are essential for life on Earth. Without plants, our planet would be a very different place, lacking the oxygen and habitats that many living things need.

We also learned about plant evolution, discussing how plants have changed over millions of years. To dig deeper, the children built a plant cell using a p rintable model, where they learned about the different parts that make up a plant cell.

We talked about how plants protect themselves since they don’t have legs to run away or teeth to bite. Instead, they evolved different ways to defend against threats. Some plants develop thorns or spines to keep animals from munching on them. Others can produce toxins or bitter tastes to make themselves unappetizing.

child looking into a microscope at a plant leaf

One interesting fact we learned is that plants contain oxalates. These are natural substances that help plants preserve themselves but can be harmful if eaten in large amounts. We looked at different plants and discussed which ones have low and safe levels of oxalates.

Together as a family, we decided to adjust our diet to include plants that are safe to eat and don’t cause harm. It was a great way to stay healthy and learn about the amazing ways plants adapt to survive!

magnifying glass on top of a poster with plant evolution timeline next to a plant and microscope

We also took a closer look at leaves under a microscope. This helped the children see the details of the plant up close. The children also took the time to explain to each other how photosynthesis works and why plants are so crucial for our survival.

To wrap it all up, we watched a video about plant evolution, which explained how plants have changed over time.

Resources:

Animals Classification – vertebrates

Vertebrates are animals that have a backbone. Scientists have divided these animals into five main groups based on how they have evolved over time.

Fish: These are the first vertebrates that appeared on Earth. Fish live in water and breathe using gills. They have fins to help them swim. Think of fish like the ancient relatives of all vertebrates.

Amphibians: Next up are amphibians, like frogs and salamanders. Amphibians started life in water as eggs and tadpoles but later, they grow legs and can live on land. Their life cycle shows us how animals adapted to life both in water and on land.

Reptiles: After amphibians came reptiles, like turtles, snakes, and lizards. Reptiles have tough, scaly skin and lay eggs on land instead of in water. They are better suited for dry environments compared to amphibians.

Birds: Birds evolved from some reptiles long ago. Birds have feathers, wings, and most can fly. They also lay eggs, but their eggs are usually hard and can be found in nests. Birds show us how some vertebrates learned to take to the skies and take care of their young.

Mammals: Last , we have mammals. This group includes animals like dogs, cats, whales, and humans. They keep their eggs inside their bodies until the babies are ready to be born. This way, they can take care of their young more closely. Some mammals, like kangaroos, even have pouches to keep their babies safe. Mammals have fur or hair and most of them take care of their babies by feeding them milk. They are very diverse and can live in many places, from oceans to forests.

toy animals inside of different shapes next to a diagram of animal classification

To help us understand and compare these groups, we used a special tool called a Venn diagram. A Venn diagram is a simple way to show how things are alike and different. It has circles that overlap, and where they overlap, we write things that the groups have in common. For example, we can compare birds and mammals to see how they are similar (like having warm blood) and how they are different (like birds can fly while most mammals cannot).

worksheet with two circles and two different animals in each circle - venn diagram

If you’d like to try this activity at home, you can download a Venn diagram template below.

Resources:

fish

Fish evolution started around 530 million years ago. The first fish were very simple creatures that lived in the oceans. They didn’t have jaws, just mouths that helped them take in food, and they used their fins to swim. Over time, fish evolved into different types, like jawed fish (the ones we see today) and bony fish, which have strong skeletons.

As some fish adapted to their environment, some began to explore the shallow waters and riverbanks. About 375 million years ago, a special group of fish called “lobe-finned fish” started to develop stronger fins that could support them on land. They looked like today’s coelacanths and lungfish. These fish had lungs and the ability to breathe air, which helped them survive when water levels dropped or during droughts.

Some of these lobe-finned fish gradually evolved into the first land animals, known as tetrapods. This was a big step in evolution because it allowed life to move from the oceans to land. Fish played a crucial role in this transition, helping to create a whole new world of animals and plants that would eventually lead to dinosaurs, mammals, and even humans.

The children had a great time learning about fish. First, they used printables to explore the different parts of a fish, like the fins, gills, and scales. This helped them understand how fish are built and how they live in water.

life cycle of a fish picture and information cards

Next, they got creative and made fish origami. They followed simple instructions to fold paper into fun fish shapes, which was a lot of fun and a nice way to practice their art skills.

origami of a fish and picture of a a fish in water

After their crafty fun, the children went fishing for the first time. It was a fun day spent outdoors, enjoying nature and trying to catch some fish together.

Later, they prepared a simple fish dish by frying fish in lard. They learned how to cook it safely and make it tasty.

Resources:

Printables: PARTS OF SALMON LIFE CYCLE TYPES FACTS PACK
Video: When Fish First Breathed Air by PBS Eons

amphibians

Amphibians’ story of evolution began around 370 million years ago. They are unique because they can live both in water and on land. Amphibians evolved from lobe-finned fish, the same fish that eventually began to walk on land. These early amphibians were the first animals to make the jump from water to land.

The first amphibians looked a bit like today’s frogs or salamanders. They had strong legs that helped them move on land, while their moist skin allowed them to breathe oxygen from both air and water. This made them very special!

Amphibians played an important role in evolution because they were one of the first groups of animals to adapt to life outside of water. As they evolved, they set the stage for other land animals, like reptiles and eventually mammals (which include us humans!).

There are three types of amphibians: frogs, toads, and salamanders. Each type has unique features and habits. Amphibians are also important for ecosystems because they help control insect populations and serve as food for many other animals.

children's book about evolution of life first amphibians

To make learning more engaging, we incorporated dance. The children expressed the different stages of a frog’s life—like egg, tadpole, and adult frog—through creative movement. This not only made the lesson fun but also helped them remember and understand each stage better.

Alongside our dancing, we used printables and hands-on activities to reinforce what we learned. The children enjoyed coloring, sorting, and discussing the various stages of a frog’s life cycle, making connections between dance and their learning.

Resources:

Printables: PARTS OF A FROG LIFE CYCLE TYPES OF FROGS
Video: The Evolution of Frogs by Moth Light Media

Mesozoic Era

The Mesozoic Era, also known as the “Age of Dinosaurs,” lasted from about 252 to 66 million years ago. It is split into three periods: the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous.

In the Triassic period, the Earth was warm and dry. The first dinosaurs appeared, along with some tiny mammals and early plants like ferns.

book for children about evolution of reptiles and dinosaurs

As we moved into the Jurassic period, the climate became wetter, and dinosaurs grew larger! Huge long-necked dinosaurs called sauropods walked the land, while flying reptiles ruled the skies. New plants, including some of the first flowers, started to bloom.

During the Cretaceous period, the world was full of different dinosaurs, including the fierce T. rex and colorful birds. The oceans were home to many exciting creatures, too. The continents were shifting, creating new oceans and habitats for all kinds of life.

However, at the end of the Mesozoic, a giant asteroid struck the Earth, leading to the extinction of many dinosaurs and plants. This event opened the door for mammals to thrive and eventually evolve into the animals we see today.

Children picked a different dinosaur and used books and websites to find out facts about their dinosaurs, such as what they ate, how big they were, and where they lived. They did drawings and labeled their dinosaurs.

After that, they shared what they learned in a form of a presentation. After each presentation, children practiced asking questions and giving feedback to each other.

book for children about evolution of dinosaurs

Resources:

Reptiles

Reptiles are a group of animals that includes snakes, lizards, turtles, and crocodiles. They are known for their scaly skin and ability to live on land. A long time ago, reptiles began to evolve from amphibians, which are animals like frogs and salamanders.

Amphibians were some of the first animals to live both in water and on land. They usually have moist skin and need water to lay their eggs. As time went on, some amphibians evolved into reptiles around 320 million years ago! This change happened because reptiles needed to adapt to life on dry land.

One big difference between reptiles and amphibians is their skin. Reptiles developed hard, dry scales that helped them keep water in their bodies. This allowed them to live in hotter, drier places. Also, reptiles lay eggs with hard shells, so their babies don’t need water like amphibians do.

Reptiles became very successful and spread all over the Earth, especially during the Mesozoic Era when dinosaurs ruled. Over millions of years, reptiles continued to change and adapt, leading to the many different kinds we see today.

objects like plate with ice, egg, toy reptiles, poster with snake life cycle

In our reptile lesson, we started by learning about their special qualities. Children held ice to remind them that reptiles are cold-blooded. This means they can’t keep their bodies warm like humans do. Instead, they rely on the sun to help them warm up.

To help us remember what scaly skin feels like, we used an avocado. The bumpy, textured skin of the avocado reminded us of the scales on reptiles. Then, we talked about how reptiles reproduce. Most reptiles lay eggs, which are protected by hard shells. We looked at pictures of different reptile eggs to see how they come in various shapes and sizes.

Then children learned about the snake life cycle and anatomy. We used printables to see how snakes grow from tiny eggs into adult snakes. The printables showed their different body parts, like their long bodies and eyes.

Resources:

Cenozoic era

The Cenozoic Era, often called the “Age of Mammals,” began about 66 million years ago and continues to today. This era is divided into three main periods: the Paleogene, Neogene, and Quaternary. After the extinction of the dinosaurs at the end of the Mesozoic Era, many creatures began to fill the empty spaces in the world.

In the Paleogene period, mammals started to grow and evolve into many different types. Some were small and furry, while others, like the giant mammoth and saber-toothed cat, became much larger. Birds also spread out and became more diverse, filling the skies.

book for children about evolution of mammals

During the Neogene period, Earth’s climate changed, which affected plants and animals. Grasslands appeared, and many mammals, including early horses and deer, thrived. This was also when our ancestors, the early primates, started to appear.

Finally, in the Quaternary period, which is where we are now, humans began to develop. The ice ages occurred, and many animals adapted to the cold weather or went extinct. Today, we see a wide variety of mammals, birds, and plants, all living together on our beautiful planet.

book for children about evolution of humans

In our recent exploration of the Cenozoic Era, we decided to visit a nearby natural history museum. The museum showcased diversity of local plants and animals, helping us understand how life has changed over millions of years. During our visit, the children were encouraged to do drawings from observation.

Each child also marked the exhibits they found most interesting, sharing their thoughts and discoveries with each other.

Resources:

Printables: CENOZOIC ERA TIMELINE SECOND GREAT LESSON 3-PART CARDS
Video: Rise of the Mammals FULL SPECIAL | PBS America by PBS America

Parts of Flower

The children started our Plant Unit by dissecting flowers to look closely at the different parts, such as the petals, stamens, and leaves. After that, they created a “Parts of a Flower” poster.

picture of parts of a plant made by a child

Resources:

Printables: Parts of a Sunflower Pack
Parts of the Flower Montessori 3 Part Cards Cards Student Worksheet

Birds

During the Cenozoic Era, which began about 66 million years ago, birds evolved from a group of dinosaurs called theropods. You might recognize some of these dinosaurs, like the T. rex and Velociraptor. After the dinosaurs went extinct, birds started to change and adapt to their new world.

In the early Cenozoic, birds began to spread out and fill different habitats. They learned to fly better and developed unique feathers, which helped them stay warm and colorful. Some birds became excellent fliers, while others, like ostriches and emus, lost the ability to fly and became great runners.

As the Cenozoic Era continued, the climate changed, creating various environments like forests, grasslands, and wetlands. Birds adapted to these different places by changing what they ate and how they nested. Some birds became hunters, while others became excellent seed eaters.

Today, we have thousands of bird species all around the world! From tiny hummingbirds to large eagles, birds are a beautiful example of how life has evolved and adapted over millions of years during the Cenozoic Era.

To explore birds, we embarked on a bird-watching. Equipped with binoculars and notebooks, we picked a quiet area in a Botanical Gardens with the goal of observing local birds and learning about their behaviors and habitats.

To make our bird-watching experience more engaging, we decided to leave small treats for the birds. We carefully placed a mixture of seeds and peanut butter inside tree cavities.

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Mammals

Mammals are group of animals such as humans, dogs, cats, whales, elephants, primates and other that have hair or fur and feed their babies with milk. Mammals began to evolve after the dinosaurs went extinct, which was at the end of the Mesozoic Era, around 66 million years ago. This time marked the beginning of the Cenozoic Era, also known as the “Age of Mammals.”

During the Cenozoic Era, mammals started to change and adapt to their environments. At first, they were mostly small and lived in trees or underground, but as time went on, they grew larger. Some mammals, like the woolly mammoth and saber-toothed cat, became very big and strong, perfect for surviving in different habitats.

The Cenozoic Era also brought different climates—some areas were warm while others were cold. Mammals adapted their bodies for these changes. For example, animals that lived in cold places grew thick fur, while those in warm climates learned to keep cool.

Today, mammals can be found all over the world in many shapes and sizes, thriving in forests, oceans, deserts, and even in our homes.

We took a trip to our local zoo to deepen children’s understanding of mammals. This hands-on experience allowed them to see these amazing animals up close and learn more about their behaviors, habitats, and lifestyles.

Equipped with sketchbooks and pens, children observed a variety of mammals. They chose an animal to make sketchest. This encouraged them to pay close attention to the unique features that make each mammal special.

Alongside their drawings, the children wrote down fascinating facts about the animals they saw and observed specifics of their habitats.

animals and child holding picture of an otter

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Food Chain and energy flow in Nature

Once upon a time, in a sunny garden, a beautiful flower bloomed. The flower was nourished by bright sunlight, taking in energy from the sun, water, and soil nutrients to grow strong and colorful.

One day, a delicate butterfly flew by and landed on the flower. The butterfly loved to sip sweet nectar from the flower, gaining energy to flutter around the garden. Next, a hungry frog spotted the butterfly and quickly hopped over to catch it for lunch. The frog got energy by eating the butterfly, which came from the flower.

objects depicting energy flow in nature and cards that explain it

But the food chain didn’t stop there. A sneaky snake slithered through the grass and watched the frog. When the frog wasn’t paying attention, the snake sprang out and caught the frog for a meal. Now, the snake was full of energy from the frog, which had eaten the butterfly, who sipped nectar from the flower.

Finally, there was a wise old dingo wandering through the area. The dingo hunted snakes and other small animals to survive. One day, the dingo grew old and tired and passed away. As its body decomposed, it became nutrients in the ground, helping new plants grow. This cycle of life showed how energy moves through the food chain, connecting all living things!

puzzle pieces put together that show food chain in different biomes

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Printable: FOOD CHAINS AND WEBS OF BIOMES PACK
Video: All Energy Comes from the Sun by Emerson Public Montessori

Biomes

Biomes are large areas on Earth with similar plants, animals, and climates. Think of a biome like a big neighborhood where certain creatures and plants live because they thrive in that specific environment. There are many different types of biomes, like forests, deserts, grasslands, and tundras.

A long time ago, as life on Earth evolved, different plants and animals adapted to their surroundings. For example, in a rainforest biome, it’s warm and rainy, so you find tall trees, colorful birds, and lots of insects. These plants and animals have special features to help them survive in the wet environment.

On the other hand, in a desert biome, it’s hot and dry. Here, you might see cacti, lizards, and camels. These creatures have adapted to hold onto water and stay cool in the heat.

child's craft with biomes of the world with pictures and explanation

Our exploration of the Second Great Lesson wrapped up with a deep dive into biomes. We began by learning about the different characteristics that all biomes share, including their flora (plants), fauna (animals), and climate. This foundational knowledge set the stage for a hands-on project that truly engaged the children.

First, the children created their own biome maps. They cut out shapes of continents and pasted them onto large paper. Once the continents were in place, they located and marked the major biomes using colorful playdough. This creative activity helped them visualize where different biomes are found around the world.

cards sorted with different types of wetland habitats

As we progressed, we utilized printable resources to delve into the unique characteristics of each major biome, examining how specific plants and animals have adapted to survive in their habitats. The children conducted research to explore how both animals and people adapt to the natural environment around them.

Focusing on the biomes specific to our country, we took a field trip to a local wetland park. There, we observed firsthand the animals and plant adaptations in their natural setting, reinforcing our classroom learning in a hands-on way.

wetland with brown water and green plants

Finally, each child selected a biome of their choice, researched it in detail, and created a diorama to represent it. They presented their dioramas to the class, sharing fascinating facts about the biomes and the incredible ways life adapts to different environments.

child writing about tundra biome, book about tundra and child made diorama with a whale and blue diorama

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In conclusion, our exploration of the Second Great Lesson through hands-on learning experiences has been a remarkable journey for our elementary students. It’s been inspiring to watch them engage with resources, develop their understanding, and express their creativity through drawings, research, and presentations.

The beauty of the Montessori method lies in its flexibility, allowing each family and classroom to chart their own unique path based on the resources and tools available to them. This approach reflects the interests and passions of the students, making learning a deeply personal and enriching experience.

Every classroom can create authentic explorations tailored to its environment and community, fostering a love for learning that lasts a lifetime. For those interested in similar engaging experiences, posts dedicated to the First Great Lesson can be found here: