Mater Amabilis Science Overview
Mater Amabilis is a Charlotte Mason curriculum. As such, the curriculum follows the approach used her schools and programmes.
Charlotte Mason on science learning:
The nature note book is very catholic and finds room for the stars in their courses and for, say, the fossil anemone found on the beach at Whitby. – Volume VI, p. 223 The students.. cover a good deal of field work, and the study of some half dozen carefully selected books on natural history, botany, architecture and astronomy, the principle being that children shall observe and chronicle, but shall not depend on their own unassisted observation. Volume VI, p. 220 (refers to Form III, ages 11-14)
Nature Study is the foundation of science education in the Charlotte Mason method. Children observe and attend to the natural world, and then move into a more formal study of other science topics.
Beginning in Level 1A science is scheduled twice a week, and for the most part includes a book based lesson using a living book, as well as a demonstration or experiment in the following lesson. As the students grow older, the frequency of the lessons increases but the same approach continues, combining well written living books on a topic with hands on demonstration, experiments, and observation. In Level 3-4 science is scheduled 3 times per week, and students also study geology 1-2 times per week. In high school science lessons should be daily. Students are encouraged to keep a science notebook with diagrams, drawings, notes of observations, and field notes.
Level 1B:
Children should spend much time out of doors, go on weekly nature walks, observing, discussing, and drawing what they see.
See notes on nature study by MacBeth Derham.
Lesson plans are provided for a study of North American Animal Life, Landscapes, and Ecosystems: A year’s study of the natural world with a two term emphasis on tide pools.
Level 1A
Level 1A Year 1: A year’s study of the natural world, concentrating on insects, birds and plants. Each week, students will read from living books on the term’s topic, as well as perform simple demonstrations or experiments related to the week’s reading. Level 1A Year 2: MATTER AND THE MARVELS OF SCIENCE A year’s study of the nature of matter, the vastness of space, and the minuscule marvels that make up our world. Students will study solids and liquids, changes in matter, the constellations in the night sky, and learn about microscopes and magnification while exploring aspects of nature too small to be seen with the naked eye. Time requirement: Two weekly lessons of approximately 30 minutes. Usually this will consist of one reading and one or more hands on explorations/activities. Readings are to be read and narrated. Additionally, students can begin recording illustrations, diagrams, and more in a science journal. Teacher involvement: You will need to work with your child for these lessons.
Level 2
Optics, the Solar System, Magnetism, and Simple Machines This year’s science study is based around the science of Ancient Greece, focusing on topics studied by Greek scientists. The main scientific themes covered are optics (light), the solar system, magnetism*, and simple machines. Alongside these your child will be reading about the history of science in Ancient Greece, including biographies of Eratosthenes and Archimedes. *Magnetism is not covered in the history of science reading, but was certainly known to the Greeks. Time requirement: Two weekly lessons of approximately 30 minutes. One lesson will be for reading and narration; the other will be for a hands-on activity or experiment. Level 2 – Year 2 Science in Ancient Rome This year’s science study covers the Human Body and scientific discoveries in Ancient Rome. Students will study the major systems of the human body, do simple demonstrations, and make 2 dimensional models of various body systems. Alongside these your child will be reading about the history of science in Ancient Rome, including a biography of Galen. Time Requirement: Two weekly lessons of approximately 40 minutes (30 minutes for the history of science reading) Teacher Involvement: Reading and written narration can be done independently by most children. Some direction likely to be needed for activities.
HUMAN BODY AND THE HISTORY OF MEDICINE
Levels 3 and 4
Level 3 Year 1
This course provides an overview of life science with a term each of Botany and Biology as well as a winter term of astronomy with an emphasis on star gazing. Experiments, demonstrations and further reading are woven into the course to enable students to build an understanding of the natural world around them as well as the history of the study of biology. Themes include classification, nature study, cell structure, and the human body.
An introduction to Earth Science should be scheduled for an additional day each week. (See Geology)
Level 3 Year 2 and Level 4
Science Through Time (Secrets of the Universe)
This 2 year physical science course provides an overview of the development of science from ancient times through to the early twentieth century. The framework for the course is the chronological development of science, showing how new scientific discoveries built upon the work of earlier scientists. Experiments, demonstrations and further reading are woven into the course to enable students to build an understanding of scientific principles.
Topics: Classical and Fluid Mechanics (Pressure Demonstrations), The Periodic Table and Elements (Analysis and Oxidation Demonstrations), Matter and Energy, Weather (Weather experiments), Waves and Electricity (Electricity Demonstrations), Relativity and Quantum Mechanics, Engineering (Flight and Magnetism demonstrations), and Faith and reason through the study of Catholic scientists.
Time Requirements:
Three lessons weekly for the main study, each lesson lasting approximately 30 to 40 minutes.
In addition to science, a student should study Geology and Earth Studies 2x/week.
High School Science
