Biology is introduced by the Second Montessori Story. We closely link Māori knowledge of the natural world to the traditional biology curriculum. We often find children at this age keen to help with nature centred activities in our community such as rubbish clean ups, visits to the SPCA or wanting to fund raise to help an endangered animal. Integration of a Te Ao world view is a vital part of this curriculum.
Our biology curriculum utilises the most up to date information about life science and integrates this with the New Zealand science curriculum. Students are encouraged to ask questions and to wonder.
Throughout their time at our school, tamariki will have opportunities to explore the following topics. This is not a list of the order of lessons or a list of everything a child will learn. Not all lessons will interest all students, some students may end up exploring one area for longer than other students due to their interest in a particular topic.
Introduction to biology
Living/non-living
Classification system
Plant/animal/human
Zoology
Types of animals (vertebrates and invertebrates)
“Who Am I?” animal stories
Needs of animals and how they are met.
External and Internal parts and functions of vertebrates
Animals and types
Invertebrates
Vertebrates
Timeline of Life – study of evolution of animal life in the Paleozoic, Mesozoic, and Cenozoic Eras
Animal reproduction
MRS GREN
Looking after animals
Botany
“Who Am I?” plant stories
Needs of plants and how they are met
Study of functions and parts of plants including plant reproduction (pollination)
Functions of roots, stems, leaves, flowers, fruits, and seeds
Parts and types of roots, stems, leaves, flowers, fruits, and seeds
Plants and plant types with a focus on NZ plants
Timeline of Life – study of evolution of plants
Rongoa
Ecology
Maori knowledge of looking after the land and the living things in it.
Study of biomes and habitats
Interdependence of living things
Student research about endangered species
Student research ways to preserve the natural environment