In recent years, there has been a push to move science into earlier grades. Additionally, research shows that young children should be provided with opportunities to engage in inquiry-based, hands-on activities. A Head Start on Science: Encouraging a Sense of Wonder provides young children with just these opportunities!
This resource offers 89 activities for children ages three through seven. The activities are based on inquiry and the belief that young children should learn science through play and the use of process and that the teacher should serve as a facilitator. This belief is evident throughout the book. The activities engage students in exploring phenomena in real-life situations.
The activities focus on several topics that correspond to content areas found in most primary curricula: the senses, weather, physical science, critters, water and Water Mixtures, seeds, and nature walks. Within each topic, there are several activities that are developmentally appropriate in age and progression. Each poses an investigation goal and identifies the process skills used. Necessary materials are described, as are the procedures for both student and adult participation. The author provides follow-up activities where appropriate, literature connections, and additional ideas for use in the classroom science center. Each activity provides the outcomes from the Head Start Child Outcomes Framework as well as a rubric for the different levels of assessment with levels ranging from “Not Yet” to “Fully Mastered.”
One of the book's best features are the family pages where teachers will find half-sheet activities meant to be done at home as a “family connection.” These activity options are provided in both English and Spanish for duplication purposes.
Many activity books are available to teachers; however, this book is unique in that it approaches science at a very young level as well as connecting the Head Start Standards to both the classroom and home. A Head Start on Science is a great resource book for childcare centers, Head Start programs, day cares, and kindergarten teachers as it definitely meets it’s title goal of “encouraging a sense of wonder.”