American Montessori Society: Elementary Science Certificate Program

The AMS Elementary Science Certificate class invites Montessori Elementary-level guides and Curriculum Coaches to deepen their understanding of the Cosmic Curriculum while effectively integrating national academic standards. Learners will explore the interconnected philosophy of Montessori’s Cosmic Education, emphasizing deep history and scientific interdependence as well as the importance of remaining true to Montessori principles amid external pressures. Participants will develop Montessori lessons and mini-lessons that align with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), and College, Career, and Civic Life Framework (C3) for their level, equipping them to honor the Cosmic Curriculum’s vision of interconnectedness while meeting the needs of today’s standards-driven classrooms.

What to Expect

Join this six-week, six-module certificate class to strengthen your expertise in teaching Elementary-level science. Deepen your understanding of Montessori’s Cosmic Curriculum while confidently aligning your science lessons with traditional academic standards. Enroll today to develop lessons that honor Montessori’s vision of interconnectedness and meet the demands of today’s classrooms!

For: Elementary I (6 – 9) and/or Elementary II (9 – 12) Montessori-credentialed teachers, curriculum coordinators, school leaders, and interventionists
Format: A blend of live (synchronous) experiences held via Zoom and on-demand (asynchronous) content. Recordings of the live sessions are made available to participants.
Time Commitment: 36 – 40 hours total (please see timelines below)
CPD Hours: 36 - A certificate of AMS Professional Development hours will be emailed upon completion. An opportunity to purchase a CEU certificate for 3.6 CEUs will also be made available upon completion of the class at a cost of $28.

Upon successful completion of the program, you will be awarded an AMS Elementary Science Certificate attesting to your mastery of the program.

Module 1: Cosmic Education: the Cosmic Core Curriculum

This module examines Cosmic Education and how it relates to modern science, social studies, and, by extension, our changing world.

Module 2: Human Tendencies, Supranature, and Our Changing World

This module examines the human tendencies identified by Maria and Mario Montessori, exploring how deep science experiments can cultivate critical thinking, creativity, and a deeper understanding of natural phenomena.

Module 3: Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)

This module introduces the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and guides you through ways to integrate the NGSS Framework into the Cosmic Curriculum.

Module 4: Standards for History/Social Studies

This module focuses on how the Cosmic Curriculum aligns with the College, Career, and Civic Life (C3) Framework for Social Studies, using history, geography, and the Inquiry Arc to prepare students as critical thinkers and engaged citizens.

Module 5: Keeping it Cosmic: Weaving the Web of Story and Study

This module explores how the Cosmic Curriculum integrates storytelling, inquiry, and deep research to meet NGSS and C3 standards, helping Montessori educators align lessons with state science, social studies, history, and literacy benchmarks.

Module 6: Pulling it all Together- Final Project

This module guides you in designing a Cosmic lesson and 3D learning experience that integrates science, history, and language while aligning with NGSS and C3 frameworks.