From the first day of school, young children must be actively involved in learning about the world scientifically. They need to raise questions about nature and search for answers. They need to collect, count, and measure things in addition to making qualitative observations. Young children are naturally inquisitive, full of questions about the world around them and the drive to investigate how things work. There’s need to take advantage of this innate curiosity and start channeling their enthusiasm for scientific discovery as early on as possible.
Science in early childhood is about providing experiences that can stimulate young children’s curiosity and motivate them to become interested in their environment and in the mechanisms of nature.
Children are naturally curious about the world around them and this involves that of the technological world. Children should be encouraged in exploration along with their interest in science. Science education activities provide children with opportunities to develop and practice many different skills and attributes. These include communication skills, collaborative skills, team working and perseverance, as well as analytical, reasoning and problem-solving skills. Help them expand their vocabulary by using scientific terms that are appropriate for their age group. Encourage them to extend and embed their learning through related literacy, numeracy and creative activities.
THE BENEFITS OF EARLY YEARS SCIENCE EDUCATION
Providing opportunities for scientific discovery in early years settings is beneficial to young children in several ways.
It can foster a lifelong love of science
Children are programmed to explore and experiment right from the start, even as babies. By tapping into their natural predispositions early on, during this key developmental phase, we can nurture and establish a positive approach to science education that will stay with them into the future.
It gives a basic grounding in scientific concepts and scientific thinking
Even the very simplest activities can introduce children to scientific concepts and stimulate scientific thinking. Early years science education can provide a strong foundation in terms of both what is learned, and how it’s learned, that will stand them in good stead. By encouraging and directing their natural curiosity, and familiarizing them with basic scientific vocabulary, early years educators can help children begin to make sense of the world around them, and gain some understanding of how things work.
It supports the development of other skills and attributes
Science education activities provide children with opportunities to develop and practice many different skills and attributes. These include communication skills, collaborative skills, team working and perseverance, as well as analytical, reasoning and problem-solving skills. Help them expand their vocabulary by using scientific terms that are appropriate for their age group. Encourage them to extend and embed their learning through related literacy, numeracy and creative activities.
These benefits of science in early childhood can all be boosted with the help of ICT/technology in preschool, kindergarten.