Chapter 19 Creative Science Science and the Young Child Types of Science Activities Inquiry Based Learning Art and Science The Discover/Science Center Environmental Education Outdoor Science

Science and the Young Child Children as natural scientists Keen observers of the world around them Science as part of everyday experiences Investigate Explore

Types of Science Activities Formal science—planned for particular skill development Informal science—child directed At child’s developmental level At child’s pace Child-selected topic/activity At discovery center Anywhere in the environment

Inquiry Based Learning Investigating Information gathering Basic human learning strategy Process of exploring Leads to questions and discoveries Teaching with open-ended questions

Types of Science Activities (continued) Incidental science Cannot be planned Experience that happens Teachable moment

Art and Science Aesthetics of nature Science and art materials Working with materials Seeing physical changes Experiencing cause and effect Learning about physical characteristics of materials Expressing nature in artwork

The Discovery/Science Center Things to do Sand and water Cooking “Please touch” displays Shoe box science

Environmental Education Discovery walks Ecology Man-made environments Natural environment Outdoor experiences Attitudes

Outdoor Science Observation of nature—sun, wind, shade, insects Nature walks Class picnics Experiences at child’s level Planting Observing growth