Science is the study of the physical and natural world. Scientists gain new knowledge about the world by using systematic observations and experiments. Children are on a quest to make sense of the world around them. They are fascinated by the natural world. They want to know about the world and are constantly trying to make sense of it. Their intense curiosity about the world makes them natural born scientists.

As children explore, like scientists, they learn to make predictions, observations, classifications, hypothesis, experiments, and communications with others. Through guidance and teachers’ help, the young child can learn to think critically, problem solve, observe, investigate and expand their knowledge and experiences. “Young children construct knowledge through participation with others in activities that foster experimentation, problem solving, and social interaction.” (Gallas 1995; Chaille & Britain 1997) “Children’s social skills develop best when they have opportunities to learn and practice them in the context of meaningful activities.” (Katz & McClellan 1997)

In The Mimi’s Place classroom, Science is a way to teach children new vocabulary, encourage critical thinking, and to expose them to new concepts – such as math, social studies, geography, social skills, and literacy – and experiences. When children explore the natural world around them, their curiosity invites conversation. This, in turn, helps to develop their language and literacy skills.

Children should be given enough time to observe nature and to express their learning. They should not be expected to use scientific accurate expressions for their observations.

Studying science also increases the child’s awareness of their environment and their responsibility to take care of it.

Objectives:

  1. Five Senses – investigates, observes and understands that people have senses that allow them to learn about their surroundings.

    A. Touch   • Warm/Cold towel, rough/smooth materials – ask child to touch each materials and ask, “How does this feel?”
    B. Taste     • Mild spicy, sweet, bitter and sour – ask child to taste each food without letting him/her see what he/she is trying and ask, “How does it taste?”
    C. Hear     • Birds chirping, waves – play different sounds and ask the child what each sound represents.
    D. See      • Pin the Tail on a Donkey – cover the child’s eyes and let him/her try to pin the tail on the donkey; then do the same with eyes uncovered.
    E. Smell    • Lavender, ginger, lemon peel, flower, rosemary – show the child different objects (whatever is available in your area) and tell him/her the name of each object. Place them in separate jars but do not show the child which jar each object was placed. Ask him/her to smell each jar and guess what each one contains.

  2. Water – investigates, observes and understands the importance of water in our lives.

    A. Rain cycle 
    B. Snow/Ice/Water

  3. Plants – investigates, observes and understands the importance of plants in our lives.

    A. Life cycle of plants and flowers
    B. Plant a garden
    C. Parts of trees and flowers

  4. Birds – investigates, observes and understands what makes a bird a bird; what differentiates it from other living beings (feathers, beak, wings).

    A. Life cycle of a bird

  5. Mammals – investigates, observes and understands what makes a mammal a mammal (milk, hair, babies born alive).

    A. Different types of mammals

  6. Butterflies – learns about the life cycle of a butterfly.

TIPS FOR TEACHING SCIENCE

  • Use a variety of ways to teach science: books, films, field trips, experiments, interactive computer programs.
  • Encourage children to make observations and gain a basic understanding and connection to the natural world.
  • Allow plenty of time for the children to observe and absorb information.
  • Present only a couple of concepts at one time.
  • Use basic terminology (as opposed to scientific).
  • Guide the children in making predictions/hypothesis, observations, and conclusions.

WEBSITES WHERE MORE ACTIVITIES CAN BE FOUND

More activities by subject and theme