Choose two articles and, in your blog, write a brief summary and response to the two articles. Be sure to reflect on the value (or lack thereof) of science education at the Pre-Kindergarten level. (This is intended to be a brief response and not part of the article summary and reflection presentation.)
Inquiry at Play
http://search.proquest.com.proxy.kennesaw.edu/docview/746805793/13F4F213DAD39E114A7/29?accountid=11824
This article showcased how play and science inquiry are important parts in the education of younger students. When students use imaginative play, they "develop self-regulation, symbolic thinking, memory language, and social skills" (Ashbrook, 2010, 26). Science inquiry allows students to make sense of their world in a way that is understandable to them. Many young children believe a scientist is just someone in a lab coat who works in a lab. Bringing in an actual scientist to talk with the class or using various props to dress up as different scientists can help dissolve this stereotype. The article also included a lesson plan on what to do if you have a visit from a scientist.
Young children learn the most through structured and un-structured play. Bringing in a scientist (or even dressing up as one) is a great way to excite and engage students. Students could come up with a list of questions they'd like to ask or certain things they'd like to know more about. If the scientist isn't able to answer all of the questions, students could research those on their own time. Setting up a science center could allow students to look at various items at their own leisure.
Water Leaves "Footprints"
http://search.proquest.com.proxy.kennesaw.edu/docview/1349385316/13F4F3363C0B97E2BC/10?accountid=11824
This article talked about using a "teachable moment" to show students that water can leave "footprints" just like humans and animals do. Rain had left holes in a preschool sandbox. The students weren't sure how they got there, so the teacher allowed the students to construct a hands-on experiment. They used sand and pouring water to observe how the water can make different shapes in the sand. A lesson plan exploring how water can move sand was also included.
Using hands-on experiments is a great way for students to develop their own understanding of the concept. Reading text about a story provides information, but the students really wouldn't fully comprehend what was happening. Allowing them to play and experiment with the sand and water really lets them learn at their own pace. I would use this experiment with students and allow them to explore and then keep it in a science center to continue using in their free time.
Science at the pre-school level is quite valuable. Students' minds are very absorbent at this age and are very inquisitive. They want to know how things work and why. Introducing inquiry-based learning and imaginative play is a great way for students to continue this throughout their educational careers. If we instill a love of science early on, hopefully it will continue and those young children will be our next engineers and scientists.
After reading your article summaries, I would highly encourage teachers as parents to support and allow time for their children to play. When children have time to play they are learning a great deal and able to increase their scientific concepts. In addition, when children are involved in hands-on experiences, they learn to think critically and can gain confidence in their ability to problem solve.
ReplyDelete"Water Leaves Footprints" examined a teacher who really paid attention to her students. After their curiosity she decided to extend their learning by creating her own experiment. If all teachers were able to key into their students like this it would be amazing. Often times teachers get caught up in all the other things teachers have to do that they really just teach, review, teach, and test. I feel as teaching science at an early age sets up our students for success. As you state, they are inquisitive. They want to learn, and are very curious. We need to let our students ask questions and we need to help guide their learning.
ReplyDeletePlay is a very important instructional tool for young students. It is not only important for students to explore science concepts, but students can also develop social skills as well. This is an important trait to have as a scientist as well because you have to be able to communicate your findings and ideas. I will be teaching kindergarten, and I definitely want to be sure to include some sort of science center that will allow students to work in groups and freely explore different science concepts.
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