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    Chapter-1 1

    Uploaded by

    Suseth Tusoy
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    Chapter 1 about social studies.

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    Chapter-1.1

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    Chapter 1 about social studies.

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as pdf or txt
    1 views12 pages

    Chapter-1 1

    Uploaded by

    Suseth Tusoy
    Chapter 1 about social studies.

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as pdf or txt
    of 12

    Science Importance in Early childhood Education

    Chapter 1

    SCIENTIFIC INQUIRY AND SCIENTIFIC METHOD


    In the field of hard science…
    - The process of inquiry is how we find answers and substantiate those answers.
    - The process of inquiry is more direct and finite: Take a question; use evidence to form
    an explanation; connect that explanation to existing knowledge; and communicate
    that evidence-based explanation.
    - Experimentation is based on the of scientific method follows similar course: Combine a
    scientific question with research to construct a hypothesis; conduct experiments to test
    that hypothesis; evaluate the results to draw conclusions; and communicate those
    conclusions.

    CRITICAL THINKING
    Although inquiry and scientific method are integral to science education and practice, every decision
    we make is based on these processes. Natural human curiosity and necessity lead to asking questions
    (What is the problem?), constructing a hypothesis (How do I solve it?), testing it with evidence and
    evaluating the result (Did the solution work?), and making future decisions based on that result.

    - This is problem solving: using critical thinking and evidence to create solutions and make
    decisions.
    - Problem solving and critical thinking are two of the most important skills students learn in school.
    They are essential to making good decisions that lead to achievement and success during and
    after school.
    - Science education is one of the most important subjects in school due to its relevance to
    students’ lives and the universally applicable problem-solving and critical thinking skills it uses
    and develops.
    - These are lifelong skills that allow students to generate ideas, weigh decisions intelligently and
    even understand the evidence behind public policy-making.
    - Teaching technological literacy, critical thinking and problem-solving through science
    education gives students the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in school and beyond.

    PRODUCTIVE QUESTIONS TO FOSTER SCIENTIFIC THINKING

    Type of Question Purpose/Examples Examples


    Attention-Focusing Calls attention to significant What is it doing?
    details
    How does it feel?
    Measuring and counting Generates more precise How many?
    information
    How much?

    How heavy?
    Comparison Foster analysis and classification How are they alike?

    How different?
    Action Encourages exploration of What if…?
    properties and events; also
    encourages predictions
    Problem-posing Supports planning and trying How could we…?
    solutions to problems
    Reasoning Encourages reflection on Why do you think?
    experiences & construction of
    new ideas Can you explain that?
    SCIENCE IN THE EARLY CHILDHOOD CLASSROOM

    Science is often sadly neglected in the early childhood classroom. Perhaps this is because science is
    “perceived and presented as too formal, too abstract, and too theoretical- in short, too hard for very
    young children and their teachers”. Perhaps this neglect is also due to the mistaken idea that the
    “constructivist” approach to education is incompatible with science education.

    Constructivist Approach – in education is based on the understanding that knowledge is constructed


    by children versus being given or transmitted to them.

    - Children are viewed as “intellectual explorers” and “theory builders”. This approach assumes
    that as they interact with the world around them, young children develop their own complex
    and varying theories about this world.
    - Teachers in C.A approach provide a supportive environment where young children are
    encouraged to go about testing and revising their original theories. Key ingredients for a
    supportive environment include: a. a variety of interesting materials for children to explore and
    manipulate, b. unstructured time for children to develop and test their own ideas, and c. a social
    climate that tells the children that questions and experimentation are as valuable as knowing
    the right answers.
    - C.A places the child at the center of the educational process.
    - Teacher’s role C.A approach is to serve as observer and facilitator rather than instructor.

    Science and Young children: Comparing Approaches

    Traditional Approach

    Science viewed as already-discovered knowledge


    Teacher viewed as authority
    Areas of study set by Teacher
    Large group instruction and investigations
    Evaluation based on right answers
    Content not connected to children’s experiences
    Science viewed as separate area of the curriculum

    New Approach

    Science viewed as active exploration


    Teacher viewed as facilitator
    Areas of study set by child interest
    Individual and small group investigations
    Evaluation based on multiple criteria
    Content connected to children’s experiences
    Science integrated with other curricular areas

    IMPORTANCE OF SCIENCE IN THE CURRICULUM

    Providing opportunities for scientific discovery in early years setting is beneficial to young children in
    many ways:

    1. It can foster a lifelong love of science


    Children are programmed to explore and experiment right from the start, even as babies.
    On the other hand, research suggests that by the age of 7, most children have developed
    either a positive or negative attitude towards science education that will remain
    entrenched. So, by tapping into their natural predispositions early on, during this key
    developmental phase, we can nurture and establish a positive approach to science
    education that will stay with them into the future.
    2. It gives a basic grounding in scientific concepts and scientific thinking
    Even the very simplest activities can introduce children to scientific concepts and stimulate
    scientific thinking. By simply introducing science education in the early years can provide a
    strong foundation in terms of both what is learned, and how it’s learned, that will stand them
    in good stead. By encouraging and directing their natural curiosity, and familiarizing them
    with basic scientific vocabulary, early childhood educators can help children begin to make
    sense of the world around them, and gain some understanding of how things work.
    3. It supports the development of other skills and attributes
    Science education activities provide children with opportunities to develop and practice
    many different skills and attributes. These include communication skills, collaborative skills,
    team working and perseverance, as well as analytical, reasoning and problem-solving skills.
    Using scientific terms can help them expand their vocabulary that are appropriate for their
    age group. Encourage them to extend and embed their learning through related literacy,
    numeracy and creative activities.

    Though instigating science education in the early childhood setting, there are also some key
    considerations that early childhood educators must have. First, the process is more important than the
    results. Yes, it is really valuable for the children to gain some scientific understanding along the way but
    finding the ‘right’ answer should not be your topmost objective; the main goals are to channel their
    curiosity, and to foster their investigative skills. Second, be open to child-led discovery. Furthermore,
    organizing specific activities for the children to participate in, try to look out for spontaneous, daily
    opportunities for scientific discovery, guided by you but ultimately led by the children. Encourage them
    to always experiment and ask questions, and make sure you have plenty of resources available for
    them to use. The last but not least, offer active, fun, hands-on experiences. Most young children love
    physical exploration. We should live up to the saying “the messier the better” – so if you can tap into
    this, their favored learning style, you’ll find it much easier to engage them and maintain their interest.
    Keep activities short and varied, and always make sure that there is plenty of opportunity for active,
    first-hand involvement for everyone.

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