{"id":198,"date":"2023-11-13T16:09:29","date_gmt":"2023-11-13T16:09:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pressbooks.ccconline.org\/accintroductiontoece\/chapter\/environmental-factors-in-supporting-science\/"},"modified":"2025-06-22T19:27:49","modified_gmt":"2025-06-22T19:27:49","slug":"environmental-factors-in-supporting-science","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/pressbooks.ccconline.org\/accintroductiontoece\/chapter\/environmental-factors-in-supporting-science\/","title":{"raw":"8.3: Environmental Factors in Supporting Science","rendered":"8.3: Environmental Factors in Supporting Science"},"content":{"raw":"<div class=\":-environmental-factors-in-supporting-science\">\r\n<p class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">The indoor and outdoor environments provide the context for children\u2019s physical and social explorations and the construction of scientific concepts. The following are strategies for helping teachers set up a physical environment that is rich, stimulating, and conducive to children\u2019s construction of knowledge:<\/p>\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Be thoughtful about what objects and materials to include in the environment<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Provide a variety of natural materials to observe and investigate<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Include objects and materials that allow for creativity and open-ended investigation<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Include living things in the preschool environment<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Include scientific tools for observation, measurement, and documentation<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Make scientific tools available throughout the preschool environment<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Consider adaptations in scientific tools and materials for children with special needs<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Use technology to support children\u2019s scientific experiences<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Present documentation of science-related experiences in the preschool environment<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Include children\u2019s books with science-related content<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Use the outdoors for natural explorations and investigations<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Organize the space in ways that promote children\u2019s explorations\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Allow space for observations and objects, materials, tools, and resources related to science<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Allow for flexibility in the use of physical space and furniture to accommodate the changing needs of each activity<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">To promote self-direction and free exploration, tools and materials need to be accessible and consistently available to children<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Social interactions are necessary for conceptual growth and the development of communication skills<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Always be aware of children\u2019s safety<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Foster children\u2019s curiosity and questioning<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Guide children in exploring their questions<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Be an active observer<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Talk with children and engage them in conversations during their investigations<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Provide children with time.<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Know when to intervene and when to stand back<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Model the use of scientific vocabulary:[1]\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Observe<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Observation<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Predict<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Prediction<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Test<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Similar<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Different<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Compare<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Contrast<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Count<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Measure<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Investigate<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Explore<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Experiment<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Discover<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Record<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Explain<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Hypothesize<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<table class=\"grid aligncenter\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\"><caption>Table 8.2: Suggested Scientific Tools<sup><b>[2]<\/b><\/sup><\/caption>\r\n<thead>\r\n<tr>\r\n<th scope=\"col\" valign=\"top\" width=\"252\">\r\n<p class=\"mt-align-center lt-socialsci-39381\"><b>Types of Tools<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n<th scope=\"col\" valign=\"top\" width=\"372\">\r\n<p class=\"mt-align-center lt-socialsci-39381\"><b>Names of Tools<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/thead>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\" style=\"vertical-align: top\" valign=\"top\" width=\"252\" data-th=\"Types of Tools\">\r\n<p class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\"><b>Observation Tools<\/b><\/p>\r\n<p class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Tools to extend close observations<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\" style=\"vertical-align: top\" valign=\"top\" width=\"372\" data-th=\"Names of Tools\">\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Magnifying glasses, hand lenses<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Binoculars<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Tweezers<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Microscope Trays (Collectors\u2019 trays)<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\" style=\"vertical-align: top\" valign=\"top\" width=\"252\" data-th=\"Types of Tools\">\r\n<p class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\"><b>Measurement Tools<\/b><\/p>\r\n<p class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Tools for measuring length, height, weight, volume, and temperature<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\" style=\"vertical-align: top\" valign=\"top\" width=\"372\" data-th=\"Names of Tools\">\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Tape measures, strings, and unit blocks<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Rulers Scales (e.g., balance scale, bathroom scale)<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Measuring cups<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Measuring spoons<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Thermometer<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\" style=\"vertical-align: top\" valign=\"top\" width=\"252\" data-th=\"Types of Tools\">\r\n<p class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\"><b>Recording Tools<\/b><\/p>\r\n<p class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Tools for recording and documenting information<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\" style=\"vertical-align: top\" valign=\"top\" width=\"372\" data-th=\"Names of Tools\">\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Pencils, markers, crayons<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Science notebooks\/journals, charts<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Papers, posters<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Camera, computer<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Felt board, magnet board<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Materials to create 3-D models<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<table class=\"grid aligncenter\" style=\"width: 647px\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\"><caption>Table 8.3: Suggested Open-Ended Materials<sup><b>[3]<\/b><\/sup><\/caption>\r\n<thead>\r\n<tr>\r\n<th style=\"width: 252.288px\" scope=\"col\">\r\n<p class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\"><strong>Types of Materials<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n<th style=\"width: 366.413px\" scope=\"col\">\r\n<p class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\"><strong>Names of Materials<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/thead>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\" style=\"width: 252.288px;vertical-align: top\" valign=\"top\" data-th=\"Types of Materials\">\r\n<p class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\"><b>Materials for Building and Construction<\/b><\/p>\r\n<p class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Open-ended materials can be used in multiple ways and therefore allow for investigation, creativity, and problem solving<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\" style=\"width: 366.413px;vertical-align: top\" valign=\"top\" data-th=\"Names of Materials\">\r\n<p class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\"><strong>Sample Materials:<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Blocks of various shapes, sizes, and materials (e.g., wood, foam,<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">cardboard)<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Boxes<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Cardboard, planks, ramps<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Carpentry tools<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Gutters, hollow tubes<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Logs<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Nuts and bolts<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Screws<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Sticks<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Straws<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Wheels, wheeled objects<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Other construction materials<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\" style=\"width: 252.288px;vertical-align: top\" valign=\"top\" data-th=\"Types of Materials\">\r\n<p class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\"><b>Collections of Objects and Reclaimed Materials<\/b><\/p>\r\n<p class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">For exploration of diverse materials and use in sorting, classifying, and ordering activities<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\" style=\"width: 366.413px;vertical-align: top\" valign=\"top\" data-th=\"Names of Materials\">\r\n<p class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\"><strong>Sample Materials:<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Bottles<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Boxes of various sizes<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Buttons<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">A collection of balls of different sizes<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">A collection of different types of animals (for sorting and pretend<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">play)<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">A collection of household tools made from metal, wood, and plastic<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Collection of musical instruments<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Corks<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Fabrics (e.g., a collection of gloves made of wool, rubber, or leather)<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Glass nuggets<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Metal lids<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Plastic lids<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Screws<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Shakers, maracas, castanets<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Styrofoam pieces<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Wind chimes<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Woodchips<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\" style=\"width: 252.288px;vertical-align: top\" valign=\"top\" data-th=\"Types of Materials\">\r\n<p class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\"><b>A Variety of Substances\/ Materials<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\" style=\"width: 366.413px;vertical-align: top\" valign=\"top\" data-th=\"Names of Materials\"><strong>Sample Materials:<\/strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Cooking utensils<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Corn starch<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Dough<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Eggshells<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Flour<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Liquids<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Salt<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Sugar<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\" style=\"width: 252.288px;vertical-align: top\" valign=\"top\" data-th=\"Types of Materials\">\r\n<p class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\"><b>Natural Materials: Earth Materials<\/b><\/p>\r\n<p class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Natural materials found on Earth<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\" style=\"width: 366.413px;vertical-align: top\" valign=\"top\" data-th=\"Names of Materials\"><strong>Sample Materials:<\/strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Clay<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Crystals<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Minerals<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Rocks<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Sand<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Seashells<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Soil<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Tools to dig and explore soil (e.g., trowels, containers, magnifiers,<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">trays)<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Tools to explore water (e.g., water table, clear plastic tubes,<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">connectors, funnels, containers)<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Water<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\" style=\"width: 252.288px;vertical-align: top\" valign=\"top\" data-th=\"Types of Materials\">\r\n<p class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\"><b>Natural Materials: Plant Materials<\/b><\/p>\r\n<p class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Materials derived from plants and animals<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\" style=\"width: 366.413px;vertical-align: top\" valign=\"top\" data-th=\"Names of Materials\"><strong>Sample Materials:<\/strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Bark<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Cotton<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Feather<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Fruits<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Fur<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Leaves<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Seeds, seed pods (e.g., pinecones)<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Tree logs<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Twigs<\/li>\r\n \t<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Vegetables<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<div class=\"mt-section\">\r\n<div class=\"textbox textbox--key-takeaways\"><header class=\"textbox__header\">\r\n<p class=\"textbox__title\">Research Highlight<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/header>\r\n<div class=\"textbox__content\">\r\n<p class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Children bring to science many ideas about how things work. These intuitive understandings or na\u00efve theories that children have constructed often conflict with what is known to be scientifically correct. Children hold preconceptions and misconceptions about different topics of science, including forces, changes of matter, light, sound, and earth phenomena. For example, children believe that water disappears when it evaporates or that rain occurs when clouds are shaken. It is important to know how these conceptions differ from the scientific explanation and why children construct these ideas. Children\u2019s misconceptions are intuitively reasonable, from the child\u2019s perspective, and are used by children to explain the \u201cwhy\u201d behind physical events. Some of the children\u2019s ideas may be cultural beliefs that have been introduced at home. The teacher\u2019s role is to guide children through numerous opportunities to discover and re-create concepts, without overtly correcting their misconceptions. Remember, science is about experimentation, and the goal is to support children\u2019s scientific thinking, not to merely provide the correct answer.[5]<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Sources:<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">C. E. Landry and G. E. Forman, \u201cResearch on Early Science Education, in The Early Childhood Curriculum: Current Findings in Theory and Practice, 3rd ed., ed. C. Seefeldt (New York: Teachers College Press, 1999).<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">N. L. Gallenstein, Creative Construction of Mathematics and Science Concepts in Early Childhood (Olney, MD: Association for Childhood Education International, 2003)<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<h2 class=\"lt-socialsci-39381 editable\">References<\/h2>\r\n<p class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">[1]\u00a0The California Preschool Curriculum Framework, Volume 3\u00a0by the California Department of Education is used with permission<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">[2]\u00a0The California Preschool Curriculum Framework, Volume 3\u00a0by the California Department of Education is used with permission<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">[3]\u00a0The California Preschool Curriculum Framework, Volume 3\u00a0by the California Department of Education is used with permission<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">[5]\u00a0The California Preschool Curriculum Framework, Volume 3\u00a0by the California Department of Education is used with permission<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n<hr class=\"autoattribution-divider\" \/>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"autoattribution\">\r\n\r\nThis page titled\u00a0<a class=\"internal mt-self-link\" href=\"https:\/\/socialsci.libretexts.org\/Courses\/Arapahoe_Community_College\/Introduction_to_Curriculum_for_Early_Childhood_Education\/08%3A_Science\/8.03%3A_Environmental_Factors_in_Supporting_Science\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"internal noopener\">8.3: Environmental Factors in Supporting Science<\/a>\u00a0is shared under a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/socialsci.libretexts.org\/Courses\/Arapahoe_Community_College\/Introduction_to_Curriculum_for_Early_Childhood_Education\/08%3A_Science\/8.03%3A_Environmental_Factors_in_Supporting_Science\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">not declared\u00a0<\/a>license and was authored, remixed, and\/or curated by\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/socialsci.libretexts.org\/Courses\/Arapahoe_Community_College\/Introduction_to_Curriculum_for_Early_Childhood_Education\/08%3A_Science\/8.03%3A_Environmental_Factors_in_Supporting_Science\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Jennifer Paris, Kristin Beeve, &amp; Clint Springer<\/a>.\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>","rendered":"<div class=\":-environmental-factors-in-supporting-science\">\n<p class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">The indoor and outdoor environments provide the context for children\u2019s physical and social explorations and the construction of scientific concepts. The following are strategies for helping teachers set up a physical environment that is rich, stimulating, and conducive to children\u2019s construction of knowledge:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Be thoughtful about what objects and materials to include in the environment<\/li>\n<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Provide a variety of natural materials to observe and investigate<\/li>\n<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Include objects and materials that allow for creativity and open-ended investigation<\/li>\n<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Include living things in the preschool environment<\/li>\n<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Include scientific tools for observation, measurement, and documentation<\/li>\n<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Make scientific tools available throughout the preschool environment<\/li>\n<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Consider adaptations in scientific tools and materials for children with special needs<\/li>\n<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Use technology to support children\u2019s scientific experiences<\/li>\n<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Present documentation of science-related experiences in the preschool environment<\/li>\n<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Include children\u2019s books with science-related content<\/li>\n<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Use the outdoors for natural explorations and investigations<\/li>\n<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Organize the space in ways that promote children\u2019s explorations\n<ul>\n<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Allow space for observations and objects, materials, tools, and resources related to science<\/li>\n<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Allow for flexibility in the use of physical space and furniture to accommodate the changing needs of each activity<\/li>\n<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">To promote self-direction and free exploration, tools and materials need to be accessible and consistently available to children<\/li>\n<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Social interactions are necessary for conceptual growth and the development of communication skills<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Always be aware of children\u2019s safety<\/li>\n<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Foster children\u2019s curiosity and questioning<\/li>\n<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Guide children in exploring their questions<\/li>\n<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Be an active observer<\/li>\n<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Talk with children and engage them in conversations during their investigations<\/li>\n<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Provide children with time.<\/li>\n<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Know when to intervene and when to stand back<\/li>\n<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Model the use of scientific vocabulary:[1]\n<ul>\n<li>Observe<\/li>\n<li>Observation<\/li>\n<li>Predict<\/li>\n<li>Prediction<\/li>\n<li>Test<\/li>\n<li>Similar<\/li>\n<li>Different<\/li>\n<li>Compare<\/li>\n<li>Contrast<\/li>\n<li>Count<\/li>\n<li>Measure<\/li>\n<li>Investigate<\/li>\n<li>Explore<\/li>\n<li>Experiment<\/li>\n<li>Discover<\/li>\n<li>Record<\/li>\n<li>Explain<\/li>\n<li>Hypothesize<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<table class=\"grid aligncenter\" cellpadding=\"0\" style=\"border-spacing: 0px;\">\n<caption>Table 8.2: Suggested Scientific Tools<sup><b>[2]<\/b><\/sup><\/caption>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th scope=\"col\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 252px;\">\n<p class=\"mt-align-center lt-socialsci-39381\"><b>Types of Tools<\/b><\/p>\n<\/th>\n<th scope=\"col\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 372px;\">\n<p class=\"mt-align-center lt-socialsci-39381\"><b>Names of Tools<\/b><\/p>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\" style=\"vertical-align: top; width: 252px;\" valign=\"top\" data-th=\"Types of Tools\">\n<p class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\"><b>Observation Tools<\/b><\/p>\n<p class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Tools to extend close observations<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\" style=\"vertical-align: top; width: 372px;\" valign=\"top\" data-th=\"Names of Tools\">\n<ul>\n<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Magnifying glasses, hand lenses<\/li>\n<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Binoculars<\/li>\n<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Tweezers<\/li>\n<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Microscope Trays (Collectors\u2019 trays)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\" style=\"vertical-align: top; width: 252px;\" valign=\"top\" data-th=\"Types of Tools\">\n<p class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\"><b>Measurement Tools<\/b><\/p>\n<p class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Tools for measuring length, height, weight, volume, and temperature<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\" style=\"vertical-align: top; width: 372px;\" valign=\"top\" data-th=\"Names of Tools\">\n<ul>\n<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Tape measures, strings, and unit blocks<\/li>\n<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Rulers Scales (e.g., balance scale, bathroom scale)<\/li>\n<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Measuring cups<\/li>\n<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Measuring spoons<\/li>\n<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Thermometer<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\" style=\"vertical-align: top; width: 252px;\" valign=\"top\" data-th=\"Types of Tools\">\n<p class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\"><b>Recording Tools<\/b><\/p>\n<p class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Tools for recording and documenting information<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\" style=\"vertical-align: top; width: 372px;\" valign=\"top\" data-th=\"Names of Tools\">\n<ul>\n<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Pencils, markers, crayons<\/li>\n<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Science notebooks\/journals, charts<\/li>\n<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Papers, posters<\/li>\n<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Camera, computer<\/li>\n<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Felt board, magnet board<\/li>\n<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Materials to create 3-D models<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table class=\"grid aligncenter\" style=\"width: 647px; border-spacing: 0px;\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<caption>Table 8.3: Suggested Open-Ended Materials<sup><b>[3]<\/b><\/sup><\/caption>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"width: 252.288px\" scope=\"col\">\n<p class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\"><strong>Types of Materials<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/th>\n<th style=\"width: 366.413px\" scope=\"col\">\n<p class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\"><strong>Names of Materials<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\" style=\"width: 252.288px;vertical-align: top\" valign=\"top\" data-th=\"Types of Materials\">\n<p class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\"><b>Materials for Building and Construction<\/b><\/p>\n<p class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Open-ended materials can be used in multiple ways and therefore allow for investigation, creativity, and problem solving<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\" style=\"width: 366.413px;vertical-align: top\" valign=\"top\" data-th=\"Names of Materials\">\n<p class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\"><strong>Sample Materials:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Blocks of various shapes, sizes, and materials (e.g., wood, foam,<\/li>\n<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">cardboard)<\/li>\n<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Boxes<\/li>\n<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Cardboard, planks, ramps<\/li>\n<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Carpentry tools<\/li>\n<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Gutters, hollow tubes<\/li>\n<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Logs<\/li>\n<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Nuts and bolts<\/li>\n<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Screws<\/li>\n<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Sticks<\/li>\n<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Straws<\/li>\n<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Wheels, wheeled objects<\/li>\n<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Other construction materials<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\" style=\"width: 252.288px;vertical-align: top\" valign=\"top\" data-th=\"Types of Materials\">\n<p class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\"><b>Collections of Objects and Reclaimed Materials<\/b><\/p>\n<p class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">For exploration of diverse materials and use in sorting, classifying, and ordering activities<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\" style=\"width: 366.413px;vertical-align: top\" valign=\"top\" data-th=\"Names of Materials\">\n<p class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\"><strong>Sample Materials:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Bottles<\/li>\n<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Boxes of various sizes<\/li>\n<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Buttons<\/li>\n<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">A collection of balls of different sizes<\/li>\n<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">A collection of different types of animals (for sorting and pretend<\/li>\n<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">play)<\/li>\n<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">A collection of household tools made from metal, wood, and plastic<\/li>\n<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Collection of musical instruments<\/li>\n<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Corks<\/li>\n<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Fabrics (e.g., a collection of gloves made of wool, rubber, or leather)<\/li>\n<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Glass nuggets<\/li>\n<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Metal lids<\/li>\n<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Plastic lids<\/li>\n<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Screws<\/li>\n<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Shakers, maracas, castanets<\/li>\n<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Styrofoam pieces<\/li>\n<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Wind chimes<\/li>\n<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Woodchips<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\" style=\"width: 252.288px;vertical-align: top\" valign=\"top\" data-th=\"Types of Materials\">\n<p class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\"><b>A Variety of Substances\/ Materials<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\" style=\"width: 366.413px;vertical-align: top\" valign=\"top\" data-th=\"Names of Materials\"><strong>Sample Materials:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Cooking utensils<\/li>\n<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Corn starch<\/li>\n<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Dough<\/li>\n<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Eggshells<\/li>\n<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Flour<\/li>\n<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Liquids<\/li>\n<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Salt<\/li>\n<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Sugar<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\" style=\"width: 252.288px;vertical-align: top\" valign=\"top\" data-th=\"Types of Materials\">\n<p class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\"><b>Natural Materials: Earth Materials<\/b><\/p>\n<p class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Natural materials found on Earth<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\" style=\"width: 366.413px;vertical-align: top\" valign=\"top\" data-th=\"Names of Materials\"><strong>Sample Materials:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Clay<\/li>\n<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Crystals<\/li>\n<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Minerals<\/li>\n<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Rocks<\/li>\n<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Sand<\/li>\n<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Seashells<\/li>\n<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Soil<\/li>\n<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Tools to dig and explore soil (e.g., trowels, containers, magnifiers,<\/li>\n<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">trays)<\/li>\n<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Tools to explore water (e.g., water table, clear plastic tubes,<\/li>\n<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">connectors, funnels, containers)<\/li>\n<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Water<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\" style=\"width: 252.288px;vertical-align: top\" valign=\"top\" data-th=\"Types of Materials\">\n<p class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\"><b>Natural Materials: Plant Materials<\/b><\/p>\n<p class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Materials derived from plants and animals<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\" style=\"width: 366.413px;vertical-align: top\" valign=\"top\" data-th=\"Names of Materials\"><strong>Sample Materials:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Bark<\/li>\n<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Cotton<\/li>\n<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Feather<\/li>\n<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Fruits<\/li>\n<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Fur<\/li>\n<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Leaves<\/li>\n<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Seeds, seed pods (e.g., pinecones)<\/li>\n<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Tree logs<\/li>\n<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Twigs<\/li>\n<li class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Vegetables<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<div class=\"mt-section\">\n<div class=\"textbox textbox--key-takeaways\">\n<header class=\"textbox__header\">\n<p class=\"textbox__title\">Research Highlight<\/p>\n<\/header>\n<div class=\"textbox__content\">\n<p class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Children bring to science many ideas about how things work. These intuitive understandings or na\u00efve theories that children have constructed often conflict with what is known to be scientifically correct. Children hold preconceptions and misconceptions about different topics of science, including forces, changes of matter, light, sound, and earth phenomena. For example, children believe that water disappears when it evaporates or that rain occurs when clouds are shaken. It is important to know how these conceptions differ from the scientific explanation and why children construct these ideas. Children\u2019s misconceptions are intuitively reasonable, from the child\u2019s perspective, and are used by children to explain the \u201cwhy\u201d behind physical events. Some of the children\u2019s ideas may be cultural beliefs that have been introduced at home. The teacher\u2019s role is to guide children through numerous opportunities to discover and re-create concepts, without overtly correcting their misconceptions. Remember, science is about experimentation, and the goal is to support children\u2019s scientific thinking, not to merely provide the correct answer.[5]<\/p>\n<p class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">Sources:<\/p>\n<p class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">C. E. Landry and G. E. Forman, \u201cResearch on Early Science Education, in The Early Childhood Curriculum: Current Findings in Theory and Practice, 3rd ed., ed. C. Seefeldt (New York: Teachers College Press, 1999).<\/p>\n<p class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">N. L. Gallenstein, Creative Construction of Mathematics and Science Concepts in Early Childhood (Olney, MD: Association for Childhood Education International, 2003)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"lt-socialsci-39381 editable\">References<\/h2>\n<p class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">[1]\u00a0The California Preschool Curriculum Framework, Volume 3\u00a0by the California Department of Education is used with permission<\/p>\n<p class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">[2]\u00a0The California Preschool Curriculum Framework, Volume 3\u00a0by the California Department of Education is used with permission<\/p>\n<p class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">[3]\u00a0The California Preschool Curriculum Framework, Volume 3\u00a0by the California Department of Education is used with permission<\/p>\n<p class=\"lt-socialsci-39381\">[5]\u00a0The California Preschool Curriculum Framework, Volume 3\u00a0by the California Department of Education is used with permission<\/p>\n<hr class=\"autoattribution-divider\" \/>\n<div class=\"autoattribution\">\n<p>This page titled\u00a0<a class=\"internal mt-self-link\" href=\"https:\/\/socialsci.libretexts.org\/Courses\/Arapahoe_Community_College\/Introduction_to_Curriculum_for_Early_Childhood_Education\/08%3A_Science\/8.03%3A_Environmental_Factors_in_Supporting_Science\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"internal noopener\">8.3: Environmental Factors in Supporting Science<\/a>\u00a0is shared under a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/socialsci.libretexts.org\/Courses\/Arapahoe_Community_College\/Introduction_to_Curriculum_for_Early_Childhood_Education\/08%3A_Science\/8.03%3A_Environmental_Factors_in_Supporting_Science\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">not declared\u00a0<\/a>license and was authored, remixed, and\/or curated by\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/socialsci.libretexts.org\/Courses\/Arapahoe_Community_College\/Introduction_to_Curriculum_for_Early_Childhood_Education\/08%3A_Science\/8.03%3A_Environmental_Factors_in_Supporting_Science\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Jennifer Paris, Kristin Beeve, &amp; Clint Springer<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"author":154,"menu_order":3,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"pb_show_title":"on","pb_short_title":"","pb_subtitle":"","pb_authors":[],"pb_section_license":""},"chapter-type":[48],"contributor":[],"license":[],"class_list":["post-198","chapter","type-chapter","status-publish","hentry","chapter-type-numberless"],"part":342,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.ccconline.org\/accintroductiontoece\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/198","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.ccconline.org\/accintroductiontoece\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.ccconline.org\/accintroductiontoece\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/chapter"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.ccconline.org\/accintroductiontoece\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/154"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.ccconline.org\/accintroductiontoece\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=198"}],"version-history":[{"count":11,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.ccconline.org\/accintroductiontoece\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/198\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1522,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.ccconline.org\/accintroductiontoece\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/198\/revisions\/1522"}],"part":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.ccconline.org\/accintroductiontoece\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/parts\/342"}],"metadata":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.ccconline.org\/accintroductiontoece\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/198\/metadata\/"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.ccconline.org\/accintroductiontoece\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=198"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"chapter-type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.ccconline.org\/accintroductiontoece\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapter-type?post=198"},{"taxonomy":"contributor","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.ccconline.org\/accintroductiontoece\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/contributor?post=198"},{"taxonomy":"license","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.ccconline.org\/accintroductiontoece\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/license?post=198"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}