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trogdor
Skeptic Friend
198 Posts |
 Posted - 02/01/2006 : 21:33:21
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Prompted by a discussion from another thread I feel compelled to remark further upon evolution as it is taught in Montessori schools (or at least the one I went to). Evolution, and science in general is a important part of the curriculum in Montessori. In fact my former school writes this in their philosophy section of their website.
quote:
Appreciation of the creative power manifested within the process of evolution and the formation of the universe. At the elementary level, we use storytelling, historical timelines, and impressionistic charts to inspire and inform the children.
The Montessori method (see the link above), also lends some interesting visual and kinesthetic aids to Darwin's ideas. The first is “the timeline of life” an enormous series of posters that show the history of life on earth. Each one is covered in pictures of different animals that have inhabited this globe. It's pretty cool looking and I will try to find a picture of it somewhere.
The second material is called the “Babushka Box” (named after the Russian nesting dolls) this box is the best illustration of a nested hierarchy I have ever seen. At first glance it is a big red box with the word ANIMALS printed in big letters on the side. When it is opened there is a smaller box for each phylum and a picture of something it. Within these boxes are smaller boxes etc. etc. This is such a great tool to help show nested hierarchy and common descent that all schools should take it up! (not really)
There are more interesting materials that I can't think of right now but I will continue posting them if you're not too bored.
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Dave W.
Info Junkie
USA
26022 Posts |
Posted - 02/01/2006 : 21:55:36 [Permalink]
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| Back when I was in elementary school, the teachers were fans of using rolls of receipt paper to teach the "big ideas." For evolution, we listed major animals' appearances in the fossil record along a timeline in which - if I remember correcly - a centimeter represented a million years. Lots of fun. |
- Dave W. (Private Msg, EMail)
Evidently, I rock!
Why not question something for a change?
Visit Dave's Psoriasis Info, too. |
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HalfMooner
Dingaling
Philippines
15831 Posts |
Posted - 02/01/2006 : 22:14:24 [Permalink]
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Cool teaching methodologies!
I recall in public high school in San Diego, the two remarkable biology teachers I was fortunate to have (Misters Rodriques and Howell) were constantly hammering away with, "Acquired characteristics are NOT inherited!" as though Lamarck was threatening to rise from his grave at any moment.
Hey, at least Lamarck was a scientist, and had the first real theory of evolution, unlike the ID fakers. He'd probably have agreed with Darwin, had he lived long enough. |
“Biology is just physics that has begun to smell bad.” —HalfMooner
Here's a link to Moonscape News, and one to its Archive. |
| Edited by - HalfMooner on 02/01/2006 22:24:50 |
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HalfMooner
Dingaling
Philippines
15831 Posts |
Posted - 02/01/2006 : 22:19:25 [Permalink]
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Apropos of very little, here's something I wrote about teaching theories:
"The Gnu Education"
After arguing all morning without result, three visually challenged Educational Theorists -- a Montessorian, a Piagetian, and a Skinnerian -- decided to relax by visiting a zoo in the afternoon. A zookeeper guided the Theorists. She led the trio right up to an especially tame wildebeest, so that each Theorist could tactilely examine the creature.
The Montessorian stood at the head of the animal. He ran his hands all over the remarkable head and neck of the gnu, feeling its complexly curved horns, its shaggy beard, its broad nostrils, and its long, course mane. "This beast has 'Maria Montessori' written all over it," declared the first Theorist. "Its rich textures symbolize a richly prepared environment, within which a student's absorbent mind may receive autoeducation."
The Piagetian was standing at the side of the wildebeest. She gently petted the animal's back, belly, and flanks. The gnu made a contented sound. "Oh, but you are so wrong," the Piagetian exclaimed. "This beast's reaction proves the value and truth of Interactionism. Like a teacher taking into account the developmentally appropriate practice for a student, I have stimulated the animal's intrinsic motivation to construct its own understanding and response to its environment."
The Skinnerian stood at the rear of the gnu. He reached out with both hands. With his left, he grasped the tail of the animal. "This beast obviously supports Behaviorism. For is this," he brandished the gnu's tasseled tail, "not a switch with which a student's negative performance may be punished?" Just then, the animal chose to relieve itself. Pellets of dung fell into the Behaviorist's outstretched right hand. "And these," said the Skinnerian, "are tokens to reward students for positive behavior." |
“Biology is just physics that has begun to smell bad.” —HalfMooner
Here's a link to Moonscape News, and one to its Archive. |
| Edited by - HalfMooner on 02/01/2006 22:22:46 |
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Dr. Mabuse
Septic Fiend
Sweden
9688 Posts |
Posted - 02/01/2006 : 23:01:17 [Permalink]
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LMFAO
Thanks, I needed that.
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Dr. Mabuse - "When the going gets tough, the tough get Duct-tape..."
Dr. Mabuse whisper.mp3
"Equivocation is not just a job, for a creationist it's a way of life..." Dr. Mabuse
Support American Troops in Iraq:
Send them unarmed civilians for target practice..
Collateralmurder. |
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HalfMooner
Dingaling
Philippines
15831 Posts |
Posted - 02/01/2006 : 23:28:24 [Permalink]
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| Thanks, Good Doctor! I needed the praise tonight. ; ) |
“Biology is just physics that has begun to smell bad.” —HalfMooner
Here's a link to Moonscape News, and one to its Archive. |
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