Preschool Pathways to Science

Book excerpt: To ensure they're meeting early learning guidelines for science, preschool educators need fun, age-appropriate, and research-based ways to teach young children about scientific concepts. That's just what they'll get with this hands-on guidebook. The basis for the PBS KIDS show Sid the Science Kid, this innovative teaching resource helps children ages 3 - 5 investigate their everyday world and develop the basics of scienfific thinking, skills they'll apply across subject areas when they enter school. A fun and engaging way to introduce science to young children, PrePS is a must-have because it: is based on the domain-specific approach to cognitive development; provides age-appropriate introduction to key science practices; makes the most of children's natural curiosity; encourages collaboration between teachers and children; enhances any curriculum; and taps teachers' creativity. This reader-friendly guide gives educators the guidance they need to work PrePS into their existing program; sample schedules designed for the preschool classroom; and detailed sample activites they can do right away or use as templates for their own creative lessons. And with the book's assessment guidelines, teachers will know PrePS is having a measurable effect on the classroom environment and student learning.