I would like to ask about science experiments in the 3-6 environment. We all know about the three most common ones: surface tension, sink and float, and magnetism. What other science experiments could we offer a little variety?

Susan Mayclin Stephenson, Montessori trained at 0-3, 3-6, 6-12 with experience at all levels, writes many practical books about Montessori education.  Her book, The Red Corolla:  Montessori Cosmic Education, available through Amazon and translated into many languages, has a section titled:  “The Work of the Child”.  In this section she has a sub-section on Physics (pages 90 – 126) in which she shares how to do many science experiments; most, if not all, can be done by children from 3-6 years.  Susan describes how to set up the science experiments and gives presentations.  This book is a wonderful resource for a primary teacher (3–6-year-olds) and the examples have all been taken from Susan’s Primary training in London many years ago. The book also deals with other areas of science, e.g., botany, zoology, plus music, geography, art, history, etc.  If 3-6 year-old children can experience as much as possible these materials, they have created a lovely foundation for the Cosmic Education of the elementary years.

Children performing Montessori science experiment