Layers of the Sun 6-9, Alison’s Montessori

Comsic Education 6-9

**~I received this product for free in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.~** No affiliate links.

During the past weeks, my first grader has been increasingly reading and writing about science using a combination of his science notebook, and Alison’s Montessori puzzles used with corresponding nomenclature cards. These puzzles have been by far the most engaging materials we’ve had. The children get into the routine of targeting a point of interest in the lesson, which leads them to working on different skills.

With the Stellar Nucleosynthesis lesson as a framework, we have been able to delve into the layers of the Sun at an elementary level. The puzzle of the layers of the Sun and the nomenclature cards provided us a means to explore the “elements” generators under a more complex angle. I demonstrated several versatile ways to utilize the materials for the children. My first grader was invited to read the nomenclature booklet, which is not extremely complex. Then we matched the labels on the puzzle as we went on.

Next, we deconstructed the puzzle, and identified the parts, then matched them with the labels again.

Once we felt comfortable enough, we covered the puzzle with the control chart, and matched the labels to the pictures.

Finally, my third grader read the cloze text cards, while my first grader matched the cards to the labeled pictures (see image below). I reminded the children about different ways to control errors. They could have used the booklet, but they preferred to lay the cards (text +label) below. It helped them compare the texts easily.

What parts are represented in the puzzle?

• The sun
• the inner layers
• The corona
• The core
• The radiative zone
• The convection zone
• The subsurface flows
• The photosphere
• The chromosphere
• Sunspots
• Flares
• Prominences

The puzzle is made of wood, with an edge for easy grip. The colors are resplendent and lustrous. The pieces are sharp, which is a desirable sensorial feature.

You can find the corresponding nomenclature cards in many forms (printed, laminated, or/and cut). The price will vary. Alison’s Montessori offers options that fit different budgets. The knowledge remains accessible for all children.

If you order the laminated precut nomenclature cards, they take 1 minute to pop out, and are ready for the shelf in no time. See picture below.

Ready for a lesson?

Please check out my reviews which will be coming soon on the Layers of the Earth, and the Parts of a Mountain.