Guiding Science Experiences

Chapter 23

What is Science?

Study of natural processes and their products.

Children must explore to understand world.

Children explore they activity learn. Experiences should be a hands-on

approach.

Science involves… Observing Exploring Measuring Comparing Classifying Predicting Discovering

Why Study Science?

Enhance the curiosity of children Build skills in picking out

similarities and differences. Language and general knowledge

improve. Fine-motor and hand-eye

coordination improve

Planning Science Activities Some are planned and unplanned Planned experiences are bested

when focused on a theme. Science activities are best meshed

with other daily activities. Example: snacks

Give children time to play with, examine, and try science materials and equipment

Science activities should… Observe and explore Note differences and likenesses Make predictions and solve problems Collect samples Develop new interests and skills Listen to sounds View videos Look at books Collect pictures

Science Area Science area

usually set apart from other classroom activities

Best located near kitchen

Outdoor area can also be used. Example: weather tests garden, raising animals.

Equipment and Materials

Consider the safety of items Consider the cost of items (many

no cost items can be used) Science table can be used to

display science related items. Change material often so children

explore

Role of Teacher Offer space,

materials, and activities that encourage discovery

Constant supervision because of safety

Offer suggestions to frustrated children

Effective Questioning To encourage children to

explore, use effective questioning

Open-ended questions promote discussions

Example: How could you classify these?

Close –ended questions demand few decision-making skills (yes or no questions)

Example: what color is it?

The Five Senses to teach Science Children learn by exploring with their

senses. Below are examples to use in classroom Feelings – a feely box can be used Smelling – use items in classroom that have

an odor (play dough) Seeing – a game to play is “I Spy” Hearing – tape sounds and voices for the

class to guess what the sound is. Tasting – tasting party with food

Using Color to Teach Science Children observe color daily Color serves as a basis for groupings

Example: have children match blue toys Some teachers have special color days

Example: Monday is orange day Teach color concepts by mixing colors

Mix primary colors to make secondary colors

Using Water to Teach Science Water delights almost all children If there is no water table use sink or

plastic swimming pools Fill the water based on children's

experience and age Example: young children need 2 or 3 inches

of water Water can teach children about

materials absorb water, floating, what materials dissolve in water, painting with water.

Using Food to Teach Science By watching foods cook, children learn

how solid materials change (texture and color change)

Baking bread involves both process (reading recipe, collecting ingredients) and product

Cooking projects can be tied to a theme or unit

Children learn food varies in size, shape, and color.

Using Child’s Body to Teach Science

Children can understand how their own body is changing through science

One science concept is that people can be recognized by the way they look.

Another science concept is measurements: Growth or weight charts can be used

Using Gardening to Teach Science Learning about gardening and seeds

helps children build an interest in growing things.

Science experiments using seeds can be introduced during snack or lunchtime.

Observe seeds with a nature or seed walk

Planting seeds indoor and outdoors teachers children growth

Using Air to Teach Science Teaching about air

Example: inflate some balloons to help children understand air takes up space

Teaching about wind Use thin strips of newsprint streamers to

teach the concept that wind makes things move.

Using weather When creating activities relating to weather

(snow, wind, rain) make it appealing to young children.

Using Magnets to Teach Science Magnet concepts are best learned

through a combination of teacher guidance and hands-on activates.

Buy magnets in a variety of shapes As children play with magnets they will

observe things about them. Activity: have children pick up various

objects with magnets. Children will learn magnets pull some

things, but not others

Using Wheels to Teach Science

Children see wheels every day Example: car, truck, bus

Expose children to many times of wheels. Example: lawnmower & vacuum

cleaner Example activity: cut out and hang

pictures of wheels from magazine

Using Field Trips and Walks They promote curiosity, supply

opportunities for discovery, and encourage interaction with the environment

Children can observe how machines make work more precise, easy and orderly. Example, trip to fire station, point out

fire alarm, ladder, and hose.

Using Animals to Teach Science

Children can learn: Care of animal (all animals must

receive humane care & treatment) Value of animal (there are many

values animals have for children) Animals as classroom pets (hamsters,

snakes, toads & frogs, fish, rabbits, and guinea pigs)

Care of the Earth Children should

learn to preserve earth by keeping it clean

Set the stage for recycling in classroom Label bins paper,

glass, metal, and plastic