This article describes how a farm-based class in the Great Lakes region investigated how plants and animals prepare for winter. Two groups of children, ranging in ages from three to five years old, had a farm, pasture, gardens, forest, and a pond available for exploration. A low teacher-to-child ratio was maintained, with one teacher to…

One plausible method for ensuring students are truly understanding science fundamentals beyond being actively and intellectually engaged is to consider how informal learning environments can provide meaningful relevancy by connecting to real-world instances. Transforming traditional science centers into informal learning centers will ensure that…

"Framework for K-12 Science Education" states that "children are natural engineers … they spontaneously build sand castles, dollhouses, and hamster enclosures and use a variety of tools and materials for their own playful purposes" (NRC 2012, p. 70). The "Next Generation Science Standards" ("NGSS") also…

Some ways in which a young child becomes involved in exploratory activities, seeking to become acquainted with his world, and how these experiences involve science concepts are presented. Piaget's philosophy of learning is discussed with emphasis on the child's need for interaction for an open learning environment. (EB)

Presents the rationale behind the need to teach the metric system and includes a description of the most important metric units. The stages through which children pass as they develop an understanding of the process of measurement are discussed. Bibliographic material is included. (EB)

Stresses the importance of learner involvement, and adult patience and understanding, for a child's success in learning and consequently in living. (EB)

Discusses methods for introducing young children to the study of ecology. (PB)

Describes an exploratory activity leading preschool children to become acquainted with the concept of time. (Author/EB)

Stresses the value of encouraging students to question the results of both obvious and the less obvious scientific activities. A simple science activity built on chemical reactions. (EB)

Presents an imaginative story to be used to introduce elementary school students to the different properties and uses of "Polyox." Various ideas for using "Polyox" in elementary science are given. (MDR)

Samara (winged seeds from maple and ash trees) can be used for open-ended inquiry or a series of directed science activities. Attributes, observations/inferences, drawing, motion, floating, seed structure, creative design, and measurement are some of the suggestions for classroom use of these seeds. (DH)

Suggests using food as a resource for the discovery and experimental methods of learning with preschoolers. (BR)

Presents part of a new series aimed at providing exploratory activities for preschool children as they seek to become acquainted with the world in which they live. (Author/EB)

Describes exploratory activities for a young child seeking to become acquainted with the world in which he lives. (EB)

First of a series showing ways in which the preschool setting can provide exploratory activities for the young child seeking to become acquainted with the world about him. Suggests ways to present the concepts of climate, clean air, personal space, and noise level. (EB)