When doing spring planting activities, what does a teacher do while waiting for the plants to grow? This waiting time is a golden opportunity to explore another side of gardening--the creatures that make it all possible. Insects are an integral part of everyday world, having existed for over 300 million years; they are the most common animal on…

Demonstrates how Piaget's theoretical framework of a preschool science curriculum, with illustrative experiences using paints, sound, and food, can help teachers develop their ability to provide appropriate science experiences in their classroom. The framework can also help teachers evaluate the activities suggested in literature. (BB)

Discusses the importance of science education in early childhood education and describes different approaches in incorporating physics into the preschool curriculum. Provides examples of experiments and encourages parent participation in children's science activities. Concludes by looking at science as an equity issue and emphasizes that science…

Discusses the value of nature education to early childhood education. The domains of adaptive, aesthetic, cognitive, communication, sensorimotor, and socioemotional development are discussed. Suggests that because young children learn primarily through their senses and motoric manipulation, they are excellent candidates for nature education…