This interview focuses on the Montessori adolescent program begun by John McNamara in 1978 at Ruffing Middle School in Ohio, describing the adolescent-centered curriculum, activities, and materials utilized in the program. Suggests that such programs need to provide an environment where children can first and foremost experience community,…

The Science Mentor Program at Ruffing Montessori School East allows students to visit scientists at work. These visits, along with readings, classes, and essay assignments, help students gain a better understanding of the work of scientists and the conduct of scientific research. (MDM)

Ethnic Neighborhoods Study, which is a six-week course developed for eighth graders at Ruffing Montessori School East, offers students an opportunity to research their own ethnicity, observe the social and cultural diversity of other people, and study one of the many nationality settlements in Cleveland. (MDM)

A six-week program of social service and education for eighth graders at Ruffing East Montessori School focuses on aging and connects each pupil with a resident of a local retirement community. Through reading, attending classes, keeping a journal, interviewing, and creative writing, the students develop a greater understanding of and respect for…

Details, first-hand, start-up year experiences of the Hershey Montessori Farm School in Huntsburg, Ohio. Describes the emerging organization of the project, including: full-time staff roles; the typical daily schedule; occupation projects for the 2000-2001 school year; and projects for 2000-2001 related to humanities, creative expression, physical…

Chronicles a teacher's first year teaching geometry at the Hershey Montessori Farm School in Huntsburg, Ohio. Instructional methods relied on Euclid primary readings and combined pure abstract logic with practical applications of geometry on the land. The course included geometry background imparted by Montessori elementary materials as well as…

Presents information on the Hershey Montessori Farm School in Huntsburg, Ohio, after a year of operation. Includes beginning case studies, which represent individual change to a higher level of personal realization and social cooperation. Focuses on development of the farm community as the backdrop for personal change and healing, which…

Describes "occupation" as a Montessori term, which the Hershey Montessori Farm School, in Huntsburg, Ohio, has adopted for any task arising from the needs of the farm that then generates a scientific or historic study. Includes lists of occupations pursued during 2000-2001 and samples of record forms students used to manage their work.…

Describes how the Hershey Montessori Farm School in Huntsburg, Ohio, developed an advanced biology course, which begins with an experience-based, task-oriented approach within different biomes of the surrounding environs while incorporating high school content and scientific method. Concludes that integrating place-based and contextual inquiries…

Provides preliminary draft of proposal to kindle thought about what a Montessori secondary school could look like. Suggests ways to think about integrating a farm model and its extensions to adolescent students. Emphasizes the universality of work, the nature of commitment and contribution, the meaning of community, and an optimistic view of…