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In "Put Away the Science Activity Books and Tune in to Your Science Senses!" in the November/December 2009 issue of Exchange, Polly Neill outlines six components of the Preschool Scientific Method. Here is a shorthand version:
Observing. Observing is how children assemble information to answer a question, to learn more about something, or to solve a problem. Children begin to look closely at something, that is, with intention. As observers, children put us to shame, for they observe with all of their senses as well as their whole bodies.
Classification. Classification is the process of grouping similar things together. This involves both identifying the relationships between things and the categories they do — and do not — belong to. Young children decide on their own system of classification and will sort and order the information they gather according to categories that are meaningful to them.
Experimenting. Experimenting is testing an idea to see if it is true or trying a solution to see if works. Throughout the daily routine children encounter problems with materials in their play: “How can I get this blanket to stay over our house?” “The glue won’t come out!” “This puzzle won’t go together!” Often these are problems the children do not have answers for, so they might try several ways to find an answer.
Predicting. To predict is to describe what you expect will happen. Even for children, predicting is more complex than simply guessing, because predictions are based on their knowledge and observations. To predict, children must be able to picture what happened in comparable situations previously, as well as imagine what might happen in the future as a result of their actions.
Drawing conclusions. Concrete evidence confirming a prediction leads to one type of conclusion; contradictory evidence means children have to change their ideas, and possibly gather additional information before reaching a different conclusion. Like adults, children make generalizations and form theories about how the world works based on these experiences.
Communicating ideas. Communicating ideas means sharing one’s questions, observations, predictions, and conclusions with others. Children are excited about sharing their discoveries and do so in many ways — through spoken language, drawings, written words and symbols, demonstrations, or gestures.
Exchange has packaged seven of its most popular curriculum resources into a single “Curriculum Tool Kit” and is offering the entire set at a 33% discount — separately these resources would cost $166, but we are offering the entire Curriculum Tool Kit for only $112. Resources in the kit include:
For more information about Exchange's magazine, books, and other products pertaining to ECE, go to www.ccie.com.
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