Our Universe
Introduction
Ask people to introduce themselves, and they will likely give their first and last names. Ask for more information, and they may refer back to their parents or grandparents. Additional inquiry may prod them to talk about a few of their ancestors. How many times can someone expect to hear people refer to their connection to early man or to the universe – the cosmic connections that enable people to co-exist with other humans and things – living and non-living? Is this apparent disconnection, as evidenced by our treatment of nature and each other, simply a lack of awareness or is there is lack of concern about the overall humanity and its connections?
Awareness of the history of the universe, the creation, the chaos, the circle of life, the central role of humans, and the notion of how it all co-exists may be the key to finding relevance in the lost connections that tie us together. This awareness is the central theme of the Montessori method of education. Through the idea of cosmic education and the notion of applied philosophy, Italian physician and educator Maria Montessori developed an educational system wherein helping the development of the complete human being is the goal.
This paper examines the missing connections, exploring how we understand the complexities and chaos all around us, and asks how Montessori education may provide a means to connect the dots.
The Enormity and Complexity of the Universe
Humans have a long history of trying to understand the vastness of the universe and their place in it. As we approached the 20th century, evolution theories about the origin of the universe had proceeded at a rapid pace. New discoveries and inventions, such as telescopic devices, enabled people to see parts of the universe never before imagined. But, up until the last century, and in some cases, even now, most origin theories have been religious in nature. Ancient Greek mythology believed fiery that gods battled, bore
Ask people to introduce themselves, and they will likely give their first and last names. Ask for more information, and they may refer back to their parents or grandparents. Additional inquiry may prod them to talk about a few of their ancestors. How many times can someone expect to hear people refer to their connection to early man or to the universe – the cosmic connections that enable people to co-exist with other humans and things – living and non-living? Is this apparent disconnection, as evidenced by our treatment of nature and each other, simply a lack of awareness or is there is lack of concern about the overall humanity and its connections?
Awareness of the history of the universe, the creation, the chaos, the circle of life, the central role of humans, and the notion of how it all co-exists may be the key to finding relevance in the lost connections that tie us together. This awareness is the central theme of the Montessori method of education. Through the idea of cosmic education and the notion of applied philosophy, Italian physician and educator Maria Montessori developed an educational system wherein helping the development of the complete human being is the goal.
This paper examines the missing connections, exploring how we understand the complexities and chaos all around us, and asks how Montessori education may provide a means to connect the dots.
The Enormity and Complexity of the Universe
Humans have a long history of trying to understand the vastness of the universe and their place in it. As we approached the 20th century, evolution theories about the origin of the universe had proceeded at a rapid pace. New discoveries and inventions, such as telescopic devices, enabled people to see parts of the universe never before imagined. But, up until the last century, and in some cases, even now, most origin theories have been religious in nature. Ancient Greek mythology believed fiery that gods battled, bore
References: Barlow, Z. & Stone, M. K., (2005), Ecological Literacy. San Francisco, CA: Sierra Club Books Berry, T., (2007) The Great Work: Our Way into the Future Bohm, D., (1996) On Dialogue, London, Routledge Publishers Briggs, J Capra, F., (1996) The Web of Life. New York NY: Anchor Books. Dellinger, D., Montessori, M.,(1989) To Educate the Human Potential. Amsterdam, Netherlands.: The Pierson Publishing Company. Montessori, M., (2011) The Montessori Method Montessori, M., (1982) The Secret of Childhood Fouts, R., (1997) Next of Kin Gang, P.,(1989), Rethinking Education, Christchurch, New Zealand: Dagaz Press. Robinson, K., (2010) TEDTalk Swimme, B