1. Chapter 6 Science

2. Basic Scientific Process Skills and Concepts Process/inquiry skills Opposite of rote learning Support curiosity and exploration Child-directed and child-centered

3. Process Skill Terminology Observation at the core of doing science Investigation skills Comparing Classifying Measuring Communicating Inferring Predicting Recording

4. Content of Science Life science People Plants Animals Physical science Physics Chemistry

5. Content of Science (continued) Earth and space science Geology Meteorology Astronomy Ecology Relationship between living things and their environment

6. Methods of Discovery Open-ended opportunities Investigations Self-discovery Problem solve Explore Discover Verify Record

7. 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

8. Creating a Scientific Environment Investigate water Discover rainbows Explore shadows Grow grass Focus on nature Air Nature walks Gardens

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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