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