Post on 24-May-2015
Chapter 6Science
Basic Scientific Process Skills and Concepts
• Process/inquiry skills– Opposite of rote learning– Support curiosity and exploration– Child-directed and child-centered
Process Skill Terminology
• Observation at the core of doing science• Investigation skills
– Comparing– Classifying– Measuring– Communicating– Inferring– Predicting– Recording
Content of Science
• Life science– People– Plants– Animals
• Physical science– Physics– Chemistry
Content of Science (continued)
• Earth and space science– Geology– Meteorology– Astronomy
• Ecology– Relationship between living things and their
environment
Methods of Discovery• Open-ended opportunities• Investigations• Self-discovery• Problem solve• Explore• Discover• Verify• Record
Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
• Remember that young children think in concrete terms and learn in the context of playing
• Build on what children already know• Emphasize sensory awareness, exploring,
manipulating, questioning, discovering, and other process skills
• Take advantage of the children’s real world as you introduce new materials
• Give children TIME
Creating a Scientific Environment
• Investigate water• Discover rainbows• Explore shadows• Grow grass• Focus on nature
– Air– Nature walks
• Gardens
Suggested Science Materials and Equipment
• Recycled, donated, purchased• Used with care• Safe, age-appropriate• Extended activities
– Investigations take time to evolve– Some investigations are unpredictable– TIME is important
Nutrition in Early Childhood
• Difference between nutrition and nutrients• Nutrients are used in three ways• Nutritional concepts• Food allergies• Sensitivity to beliefs and customs of
families• Involve families to ensure reinforcement• Hand washing
Ecology
• Plant and garden all year long• Make a compost pile• Catch rainwater and recycle it• Adopt or plant a tree• Recycle and conserve materials and natural resources• Use grocery sacks and newspapers at the easels• Stress the importance of not littering• Celebrate Earth Day on April 22• Ask open-ended questions• Read special books
Animals in Early Childhood Education
• Animals in our world– Touchable versus untouchable– Rescue procedures– Emergency care
• Animals in our classroom– Food and housing– Care and maintenance
Sharing Science with Families
• Their children are natural scientists• Science is all around in daily living• Families need to be involved in nutrition
education– Ideas to involve families
Other Considerations for Teachers
• Science is a way of thinking• Share science activities with parents
– Suggestions• Use developmentally appropriate and
multicultural activities• Assess children’s progress with anecdotal
records• Key elements for assessment