Lower Elementary Cosmic Curriculum

The Cosmic Curriculum is a collection of Dr. Maria Montessori’s observations of children as well as the research of other scientists of her time. She referred to children as being in the first plane of development, or “the Absorbent Mind,” from birth to six years old, and then moving into the second plane roughly around first grade. Montessori observed that children in the second plane were inquisitive minds and social creatures capable of abstract thought. If the children were asking about the universe, why not give it to them? Thus she and her successors created and designed the Cosmic Curriculum, an impressionistic view of the universe told through oral storytelling, experiments, demonstrations, timelines, and card sets.

Children this age are trying to figure out their place in the universe and how they fit in it. Montessori and her successors developed the Creation Story or Story of the Universe. This imaginative story captivates Elementary students through experiments and oral storytelling and helps students picture themselves in the vast history. At Wellan, the Lower Elementary teachers narrate the story as the third-year students demonstrate the dynamic events and scientific phenomenons that shaped our world.

Every winter, the Lower Elementary classrooms also review the Timeline of Life. This is a series of lessons that highlight the evolution of plants and animal life on Earth. The colorful charts show when certain animals dominated the land and sea and when people believe they went extinct. These lessons encourage independent research into trilobites, dinosaurs, and mammoths alike.

In the second semester, the third years receive a series of lessons on the history of the earth from the Big Bang to now called the Clock of Eons. These lessons are presented in a seminar style and include videos and experiments to introduce these events. Afterwards, they begin to brainstorm a list of ways they could demonstrate their knowledge and work in groups to present this information to their peers. Some projects have included obstacle courses, comic books, and board games. The Clock of Eons inspires students to see where the universe, life, and humans have been and think about where we could be going.

Teaching Cosmic Education is essential for students on the second plane of development. Learning from whole to part, from concrete to abstract, in a collaborative work environment, can open more than just the universe to the child. It can provide infinite possibilities. Montessori teachers have the gift of giving the students the universe and in return, these curious minds can become peacemakers, innovators, and leaders in their communities.