8.2 Guiding Principles for Supporting Science
The following principles guide teachers in establishing a preschool science program that fosters children’s curiosity and develops their skills and habits to explore and learn about their world. These principles are consistent with a constructivist approach to learning, where children actively construct knowledge through physical and mental interactions with objects and people in their environment. The principles are drawn from current research-based models and approaches to early childhood science and are consistent with the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) guidelines on developmentally appropriate practice.
The preschool environment supports children’s curiosity and encourages inquiry and experimentation The teacher
acts as a researcher, joining children in exploring their world
asks open-ended questions to encourage children to think and talk
introduces children to new vocabulary, including scientific terms such as observe, explore, predict, and measure demonstrates appropriate use of scientific tools
invites children to reason and draw conclusions
encourages children to share their observations and communicate their thoughts models respect for nature
Content of inquiry is developmentally appropriate and builds on children’s prior experiences Scientific inquiry experiences are interesting and engaging for children and teachers
Children explore scientific concepts directly through active, hands-on, minds-on playful experiences Children explore scientific concepts in depth through multiple, related learning experiences over time Children construct knowledge through social interactions with peers and adults
Children use language and other forms of communication to express their thoughts, describe observations, and document their work
Teachers support children who are English learners in understanding and communicating scientific knowledge and skill Science is embedded in children’s daily activities and play and provides a natural vehicle for integrating mathematics, literacy, and other content areas
Individual differences are recognized, and all children are included and supported The preschool environment, home, and community are connected through science[1]
References
[1]The California Preschool Curriculum Framework, Volume 3 by the California Department of Education is used with permission
This page titled 8.2: Guiding Principles for Supporting Science is shared under a CC BY license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Jennifer Paris, Kristin Beeve, & Clint Springer.
: Guiding Principles for Supporting Science by Jennifer Paris, Kristin Beeve, & Clint Springer is licensed CC BY 4.0.