What is biology? At its root, the word comes from the Greek bios, meaning "life," and logos, meaning "word" or "reason." In short, biology is the study of life. In Montessori elementary classrooms, however, biology is more than a science subject—it’s a gateway to wonder, connection, and understanding our place in the larger story of life on Earth.

A Living Subject in a Living Curriculum

Dr. Maria Montessori saw biology as essential to what she called Cosmic Education—a curriculum designed to help children in the second plane of development (ages 6 to 12) see how everything in the universe is interconnected. In this context, biology is not just about memorizing facts. It’s about discovering how plants, animals, water, minerals, and even the air work together in a grand collaboration. Through this lens, we can discover how each species has a cosmic task—a unique role in sustaining life on Earth.

Plants, for example, draw minerals and water from the soil, but they also protect that soil from erosion and help purify the air. Animals depend on plants for food and, in turn, help pollinate, fertilize, and spread seeds. Each element takes what it needs and gives something back. In a Montessori classroom, children explore these ideas deeply, not just as scientific facts, but as part of a moral and ecological awareness.

The Importance of Real Experiences

Montessori elementary children are imaginative, curious, and developing a strong sense of morality. They want to understand how things work and why they matter. That’s why biology in Montessori isn’t taught from a textbook—it’s brought to life through real experiences and thoughtful exploration.

Whenever possible, we begin biology lessons with real specimens. A single seed, a fallen leaf, or a live plant offers more opportunities for engagement and connection than a picture ever could. Children are encouraged to observe, touch, ask questions, and form hypotheses. We may use sketches and charts to aid understanding, but hands-on exploration always comes first.

Children examine the parts of a flower, experiment with how different leaves respond to light, or observe how water travels through a stem. Along the way, they learn the functional anatomy of plants and animals, explore systems of classification, and begin to understand adaptation and evolution.

Moral Considerations in Science

Because elementary-age children are developing a sense of right and wrong, we take care to present biology with sensitivity and respect. We don’t cut living plants carelessly or keep animals for the sake of experimentation. Instead, we invite questions: Is it right to dissect a flower? What happens when we keep a bird in a cage? How does using pesticides affect bees and flowers?

These questions encourage children to develop empathy, a sense of stewardship, and a respect for life. It’s not just about learning how living things function—it’s about understanding our responsibility within the web of life.

A Dual Environment: Classroom and Nature

One of the most important aspects of biology in Montessori is that it happens in two environments: the classroom and the natural world. Children study parts of a plant in class, then go outside to identify those parts in a garden or forest. They may observe a classroom pet or bees coming to planter boxes, then learn about insect behavior and classification. This dual environment deepens understanding and builds connection.

When in Kodaikanal, India, Dr. Montessori experienced how elementary children learned by exploring hills, forests, and fields. While not every school is surrounded by nature, the beauty of biology is that it’s everywhere–a patch of grass, a few fallen leaves, or the cracks in a sidewalk where something green is growing.

How Families Can Support a Love of Biology and Nature

As parents and caregivers, we are our children’s most important guide to the natural world. And the good news is, we don’t need to be a biology expert to nurture a deep love of life sciences. Here are some simple ways we can provide support:

• Go outside often. Whether it’s a walk around the neighborhood, a hike in the woods, or just time in the backyard, give children plenty of opportunities to observe and wonder.
• Make collections. Children love collecting things—leaves, rocks, feathers, shells. Encourage this instinct, and use it as a way to ask questions and spark further research.
• Model curiosity. If your child asks why some plants grow in the shade or why certain animals come out at night, don’t feel pressured to have the answer. Say, “I wonder that too. Let’s find out together.”
• Create a nature journal. Encourage children to draw, label, and write about what they see in nature. This can be as formal or informal as they like. The goal is to create a habit of observation.
• Ask big questions. Children love the extraordinary. Ask them what they think about camouflage, desert survival, or why birds migrate. Their imagination and reasoning will shine.
• Use your interests. If you love gardening, birdwatching, or hiking, share that with the children in your life. Even your casual observations can spark their own questions and investigations.

From Biology to Ecology

As Montessori children grow in their biological studies, they naturally move toward ecology—the study of how all living and nonliving parts of the world interact. This final synthesis reinforces their understanding that they are part of something bigger, something intricate and beautiful.

Ultimately, biology in Montessori is about more than life sciences—it’s about living fully, attentively, and respectfully in the world. With a nurturing classroom, a natural world to explore, and the guidance of engaged adults, our children can grow up with a profound sense of connection, wonder, and care for the Earth.

Schedule a time to visit the school to experience how we cultivate a love for living things and an interconnected way of thinking about the world.