Tag Archives: early childhood

Finding the right book for science teaching

There are quite a few science topics included in the books on the Association for Library Service to Children’s Young Readers list of 2010 Notable Children’s Books. Selections on the Older Readers list may be useful as well for the photographs and the background information that teachers can read and tell about, such as, Almost Astronauts: [...]
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Maple tree seed toss makes a good gross motor activity

The seeds of maple trees are shaped like single wings and rotate around the heavy seed end when tossed into the air. The twirling motion is unexpected because most leaf-like objects fall in a less regular fashion. Collect some for a rainy day. Have children spread out so no one bumps heads, then toss the [...]
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When young children use magnifiers

I brought magnifiers into the twos classroom today as a tool for looking at dead insects (and a few other invertebrates) and butterfly eggs on collard plants. The children have used magnifiers many times before but they are always intrigued, and maybe even a little surprised, when things “get bigger”. One child asked why the [...]
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Evaporation—children need to know the word and concept

Is it surprising that there are no books for children titled “Evaporation”? Why this exciting subject doesn’t have it’s own title is beyond me—ha! But there are many good books that do touch on the subject in interesting ways. While we don’t need to dwell on the concept of evaporation, it should frequently be part of [...]
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Citizen scientist action begins at a young age—by extending a helping hand to toads

In Upper Roxborough in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, children helped toads and frogs survive their migratory passage across a road, back to their natal pond (a reservoir) to lay their eggs. The volunteers recorded a count of toads, alive or dead. Naturalist-led toad walks help families understand the toad behavior. The Toad Detour blog has more details [...]
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The scoop on science notebooks

I've been hearing a lot about science notebooks lately, so I went to the Education Development Center's Pathway Session on Establishing Science Notebook Habits and Skills. It was interesting to hear each presenter's unique take on the science notebook and see all of the student examples they displayed.
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All about animals

This is the closest I've ever gotten to a Madagascar hissing beetle.
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Gardening begins, inch by inch

Teacher of two-year-olds Sue Hewitt reports that she has already planted with one group—“lettuce last week and will do radish planting this week. I like to do something that can mature and be harvested and eaten by the kids. We usually have a salad bar one day—pick and wash and spin lettuce and have kids each [...]
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Recording in a journal—video clips model using a science journal

Not having any “kids” at home these days, I have to make a special effort to learn about the programs my preschool students are watching on television. I like to know the opening songs so I can impress the children! After spending some time on the Sid the Science Kid site I found these activities [...]
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Exemplary science program monograph series

This series from NSTA Press has focused on meeting the reforms central to the National Science Education Standards. NSTA members are invited to volunteer to serve as members of the National Review Team for future monographs.
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