Physical Science in Montessori

I've been pondering Physical Science* in the Montessori curriculum...or rather, the lack of it. We certainly do a fantastic job of covering Biology, Geography, and History, but when it comes to Physical Science there isn't much to be found. Granted, I am thinking more of 3-6 and 6-9; I know that in 9-12 many of these topics are already covered.

I believe the Geography Impressionistic Charts are the only "official" Physical Science materials for 6-9. For those of you who don't know, they are a series of about 20 charts that talk about how the earth formed and cooled. Along with some very interesting drawings ("hot" and "cold" are represented as spirits that fly up into the air), they include experiments that begin to graze the surface of Physical Science. I'm not making fun of them, but they are outdated and sometimes difficult to interpret.

Edited to add: a reader pointed out that the Great Lessons lead to Physical Science, and it occurred to me later that the Needs of People lessons throughout History can also lead to them. My point in this post is that once you introduce a Physical Science concept, whether through a Great Lesson, an Impressionistic Chart, or the Needs of People, there is no comprehensive printed curriculum to use, no nomenclature cards, etc. At this point, the parent or teacher would have to make the work/lessons themselves. Or, the child would have to research it but that wouldn't be an option for younger children (non-readers).

I know that there are probably Montessorians who hold that the original materials from Bergamo should always be used. In many cases, they have held up very well over the years (these would include all the Geometry, Botany, Zoology, Geography, and History nomenclature cards and charts), although I have seen articles calling for an update of the Botany material, in particular. But I don't think it's disloyal to point out the "gaps" in Montessori materials, of which Physical Science certainly stands out as the largest.

I hope that Montessori 6-9 teachers - and 3-6, for that matter - are availing themselves of Physical Science books and workbooks to use in the classroom. I know that I did when I was teaching. I hope to start making some Montessori-style materials for Physical Science soon. I'd love to know what, if anything, you are using right now in your homes or classrooms; and if you have any ideas or suggestions for Physical Science materials.

*Just so we're on the same page, I'm referring to study of forces, machines, states of matter, light, temperature, chemical compounds and reactions, energy, and any subtopics that fall under these umbrellas.