Why Teach Science in Preschool?

I think that most educators will agree that an integrated curriculum is a good idea at any level of education - everything is connected.

At the early childhood level can science be the organizing framework for integrating the curriculum?  In my experience, a science focus makes it easier to accomplish this goal because of the intense interest children have in learning about the world around them.

One might ask how does this help in developing language and early literacy which is a major focus of preschool?  My answer would be that language and literacy have to be about something, and because children love science, it can be the vehicle for enhancing their language and pre-literacy skills.

 Science Is All Around Us

We actually do a fair amount of science in our everyday lives.  For example, if you consider all the answers to your children’s questions and the observations that they can make everyday, we are learning about science and nature all the time...in the kitchen, the bathroom, the garden, the garage, the playground. and when we are out and about.

With guidance, science and nature study can offer children a deeper relationship with the outdoors and, can form the foundation for scientific thinking.  Taking children on a nature exploration (in the backyard, a local park, or further afield) can build the skills necessary for scientific thought and critical thinking: observation, questioning, and predicting.

If we encourage our children to observe and ask questions about the world around them, most of that will involve science in one way or another. These repeated experiences become the building blocks of knowledge and understanding.  And if we don't know the answer to a question, we can help children learn how to find the answers by using the library, looking things up on the computer, and talking with an expert.  From this shared experience, some great family projects can emerge.

Fun Family Field Trip Ideas

Every season in our area offers something different.  Fall is a great time to venture outside to observe the wonders of the natural world around us.  One of the greatest wonders of this season is the annual migration of waterfowl in the Central Valley, grey whales along the coast, and, in a good year, salmon in our rivers. These are all great opportunities for a fun and educational family field trip.

Back before the Gold Rush, during this time of year, the skies over the Central Valley would darken with millions of migratory waterfowl, and the rivers would hold so many migrating salmon that it looked like you could walk across their backs from one bank to the other.  In some areas it is still possible to get a glimpse of this former glory.  One of these areas is the Cosumnes River Preserve (http://www.cosumnes.org/), located off Interstate 5 between Sacramento and Stockton.  It’s a great place to view migrating waterfowl and sandhill cranes.  Also, check out the Yolo Basin Foundation for tours and programs on migratory waterfowl (http://www.yolobasin.org/).  Along the American River, migrating salmon have often been sighted at the Effie Yeaw Nature Center (http://www.sacnaturecenter.net/) in Carmichael, some even spawn in this area.

Along the coast are various sites where the annual migration of Grey whales can be observed.  In the fall, the whales are southbound, leaving summer feeding grounds in Alaska and arriving at breeding grounds in Baja California. In the spring, the Greys head back to Alaska.  One site I recommend is Pt. Reyes National Seashore.   Find more about viewing opportunities at:

www.nps.gov/pore/planyourvisit/wildlife_viewing_whales.htm

"Migrations speak to us, not just as observers, but as integral parts of nature." 

Excerpt from the Preface to Scott Weidensaul’s book “Living on the Wind: Across the Hemisphere with Migratory Birds”

Curiosity

Young children are curious about the world around them. Activities in science and nature study give children the opportunity to raise questions about the world, learn through hands-on activities, and seek answers through observation and exploration.  Whether observing plants and animals in the neighborhood, experiencing the seasonal cycles of a place, visiting a local natural area, planting in the garden, or cooking in the kitchen, the child is engaged in finding out how the world works.

Teachers and parents should be curious too.  Your curiosity and enthusiasm will encourage children’s natural desire to question and seek answers.  Adults acting as mentors and guides will allow children the space for that unfolding of inquisitiveness and exploration to experience the wonder of nature and the world around them, in order to preserve the innate creative potential in every child.

This blog will describe the science and nature study activities that Primaria students take part in, through the school year.  Comments and suggestions are always welcome.

Recommended reading for parents:

The Sense of Wonder, by Rachel Carson