A Montessori winter camp with STEM for preschoolers blends hands-on, child-led learning with scientific exploration, focusing on practical life skills (dressing, baking), sensory play (snow sensory bins, ice excavation), and foundational math/science (symmetry with snowflakes, melting ice experiments with salt/sugar, building with natural materials) to foster independence, problem-solving, and curiosity through real-world winter themes. Activities include ice melting races, Oobleck for states of matter, crystal snowflake growing, and nature walks, aligning perfectly with Montessori’s sensory and practical approach to STEM.
Science & Technology
- Ice Excavation: Freeze small toys in ice blocks and provide tools (plastic hammers, warm water) for kids to excavate them, exploring melting and tools.
- Melting Ice Experiment: Test how salt, sugar, or sand affect ice melting speed to understand temperature and materials.
- Crystal Snowflakes: Grow salt crystals on pipe cleaners to learn about crystal formation over a few days.
- Magic Milk: Use dish soap to see colors swirl on milk, demonstrating surface tension.
Engineering & Math
- Snowflake Symmetry: Cut paper snowflakes to learn about symmetry and geometric patterns.
- Building Challenges: Use sticks, twigs, or snow to build structures, exploring balance and engineering.
- Pom-Pom Transfer: Use tongs to move “snowballs” (pom-poms) to build fine motor skills and hand strength.
Practical Life & Nature (Sensorial)
- Winter Gear Practice: Daily tasks like putting on coats, hats, and boots build independence and coordination.
- Snow Sensory Bins: Explore snow with tools, burying and finding items.
- Nature Walks: Observe winter changes, collect natural items for art, and develop gross motor skills.
Art & Creative STEM
- Ice Painting: Freeze colored water in molds and use the ice blocks as paintbrushes on paper.
- Winter Crafts: Decorate gingerbread, make pasta snowflakes, or build snowman art.
How it Fits Montessori
- Hands-On & Sensory: Activities use real materials (ice, snow, water) for deep learning.
- Independence: Practical life skills and problem-solving encourage self-reliance.
- Integrated Learning: STEM concepts are woven into seasonal, real-world activities, not separate lessons.