8.2: Guiding Principles for Supporting Science
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The following principles guide teachers in establishing a preschool science program that fosters children’s curiosity and develops their skills and habits to explore and learn about their world. These principles are consistent with a constructivist approach to learning, where children actively construct knowledge through physical and mental interactions with objects and people in their environment. The principles are drawn from current research-based models and approaches to early childhood science and are consistent with the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) guidelines on developmentally appropriate practice.
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The preschool environment supports children’s curiosity and encourages inquiry and experimentation
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The teacher
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acts as a researcher, joining children in exploring their world
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asks open-ended questions to encourage children to think and talk
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introduces children to new vocabulary, including scientific terms such as observe, explore, predict, and measure
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demonstrates appropriate use of scientific tools
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invites children to reason and draw conclusions
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encourages children to share their observations and communicate their thoughts
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models respect for nature
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Content of inquiry is developmentally appropriate and builds on children’s prior experiences
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Scientific inquiry experiences are interesting and engaging for children and teachers
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Children explore scientific concepts directly through active, hands-on, minds-on playful experiences
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Children explore scientific concepts in depth through multiple, related learning experiences over time
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Children construct knowledge through social interactions with peers and adults
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Children use language and other forms of communication to express their thoughts, describe observations, and document their work
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Teachers support children who are English learners in understanding and communicating scientific knowledge and skill
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Science is embedded in children’s daily activities and play and provides a natural vehicle for integrating mathematics, literacy, and other content areas
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Individual differences are recognized, and all children are included and supported
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The preschool environment, home, and community are connected through science
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