Teaching the upper elementary grades requires class teachers to develop new capacities so that they can work with their students in new ways. As teachers prepare to teach Botany, Geology, Astronomy, and Physics, they often struggle to find the proper balance between content and process, information and artistry.
This course will provide the background needed to approach these subjects with confidence. We will consider the philosophy and goals of Waldorf science teaching, get an overview of this stage of child development and how the curriculum addresses it, identify most useful sources and ways to utilize them, and explore the methods and materials that will ensure success in the classroom.

Each day will have a practical or laboratory component so that participants can gain the experience necessary to enjoy teaching these subjects. We will also work with black and white shadow drawings, as well as some plant and mineral drawings.

Suggested texts:
Davidson, N. Sky Phenomena
Colquhoun, M. New Eyes for the Plants
Mackensen, M. A Phenomena Based Physics
D’Aleo, M. Sensible Physics Teaching
Trostli, R. Physics is Fun!

Materials fee: $30

Roberto Trostli has been active in Waldorf education for over 25 years. He taught three cycles of the upper elementary grades at the Rudolf Steiner School in New York City, which he attended as a child. Then he moved to the Hartsbrook School in Hadley, MA, where he took a class from grades 1–8 before founding its high school, where he now teaches biology, chemistry, and physics. Roberto, former co-director of the part-time teacher education program at Sunbridge College, has given numerous courses, workshops, and lectures on science teaching and Waldorf education. He is author of Physics is Fun! A Sourcebook for Teachers, and editor of Rhythms of Learning and Teaching Language Arts in the Waldorf School.

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