The NAMC Upper Elementary Botany and Microscopic Study manual is designed to instill in students a fascination with the world of plants and an appreciation for the role plants play in shaping the environment where people and animals live. It begins with plant review to prepare students for the more technical classification section that follows. Students then look at the structure and function of plant parts, then move toward identifying plants in the school garden and the natural environment.

Microscopic study begins with the exploration of plant and animal cells, and how cells work together to perform specific functions. The second section studies microorganisms and food spoilage, showing how the method of reproduction used by many microorganisms allows them to quickly spoil unpreserved food. The students are then involved in two methods of preserving foods.

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As future stewards of the land, students explore the animal kingdom and develop an understanding of its interconnections. The NAMC Upper Elementary Zoology curriculum investigates animal routines and how they are designed for survival, and then external anatomy and classification, building significantly upon classification principles covered in the NAMC Lower Elementary Zoology curriculum. Students then apply their new understanding of classification to identifying animals. Internal anatomy and physiology, including reproduction, is then explored, followed by adaptation and then the relationship of humans with animals.

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Physical geography is the study of the earth’s physical environment, including its formation an ongoing evolution. This manual focuses on earth’s biosphere, including the atmosphere, hydrosphere and lithosphere – parts of the earth where living things reside. Students discover how these three spheres of activity are inextricably linked, and that logical patterns emerge over time. Examining these patterns leads to an understanding of weather and weather systems, how the earth evolved into its current form, and how it may change in the future.

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Cultural geography is the study of specific places and peoples on earth, with an emphasis on the interaction between the two. The NAMC Upper Elementary Cultural Geography curriculum provides a detailed study of global continents, examining the major regions of the earth through the different facets of cultural geography to achieve a balanced, thorough analysis. Maps and mapping are explored and treated as elements of culture created to serve human needs in relation to the environment.

The discussion then moves on to a sequential look at the continents, and a deeper look at how humans interact with the environment to satisfy their basic needs for water, food, shelter, transportation, defense, and social organization. This is followed by an examination of celebrations, often of religious nature, that incorporate all aspects of a culture and reflect the environment in which they take place. Finally, because cultural geography is such a broad topic, it is useful to ask students to create research projects that pull together the disparate knowledge about a chose subject. The final section presents ideas on how to approach cultural geography research reports.

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Humankind’s short time on earth is full of fascinating events and amazing developments that do indeed affect our daily lives. History at the Upper elementary level centers on prehistory, archeology, ancient civilizations, early exploration of the world, European history and history through art. At the upper elementary level, the history of modern countries is presented as an opportunity for older students to carry out a major research project. The final section of this manual, Historical Research, shows ways that teachers can guide students in using research tools common to historians, carrying out research, and writing research reports.

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Montessori believed that a healthy body, spirit and mind were the keys to creating peaceful, productive citizens. Our approach to health sciences in the UE curriculum includes food and food handling, nutrition, individual and community development, wellness, physical education and sport.

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Astronomy is slowly opening the universe to human understanding. Students study astronomy as it concerns the most concrete realities as well as abstract concepts, all in relation to humanity as it explores its place in the universe. Topics include constellations, light years, astronomical tools, stars, the sun, the earth, the solar system, the moon, tides, eclipses, meteors, asteroids, comets, and space exploration.

Ecology is the study of relationships between living things and their environments. Students learn about ecosystems and biodiversity in the context of the interconnectedness of all living things on earth, and the balance and resilience this interconnectedness creates.

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The NAMC Upper Elementary Scientific Method and Technology manual explores the tools and procedures that scientists use to further their knowledge about the world, examining the basic machines and tools of technology, and their history and application. Older students (years 5 and 6) are provided opportunities to conduct small- or medium-scope research projects with the teacher’s guidance.

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Through this manual’s activities and experiments, students will grow to appreciate the ways in which humans discovered, and continue to discover, the nature of matter and energy and the astounding inventions and innovations that have occurred as a result of these discoveries. For students who learn to appreciate science, the journey through the history of scientific knowledge provides endless fascinating explorations.

This manual is organized into two major sections:

• Matter — explores the nature of matter and elementary chemistry, the study of how matter changes from one form to another
• Energy — explores the nature of energy and elementary physics, the study of how motion, force, and energy affect matter