At Valley Drive Cooperative Preschool, science explorations are integrated in the classrooms and in outdoor experiences throughout the school year.
Peggy Ashbrook, the school's preschool science teacher of over 10 years, encourages the children to investigate their world through direct experiences and observation, as well as documentation of those experiences. Click here to meet Peggy Ashbrook.
Ms. Ashbrook's principal goal is to help children discover the wonders of the natural world by supporting their explorations with materials and through participating in guided discussion. The method used is called "inquiry," meaning that the children explore something, posing questions and trying to answer them or discover more all the while. During the activities, the children record and discuss what they observe, as well as come up with additional questions.
Beginning in the 2-year-old class, children are encouraged to explore materials (ice, magnets, play dough, fossils, bubbles), ask questions, answer their own questions from their store of information or that of others, and experience the object again to learn more. We support children in building their own knowledge when possible, instead of sitting back and letting someone else tell them what they see; and we encourage the use of scientific terms, such as "Tyrannosaurus Rex," "force," "insects," and "metamorphosis."
Ms. Ashbrook's commitment to science for preschool children is further demonstrated in her book, Science is Simple: Over 250 Activities for Preschoolers (Gryphon House, Inc., 2003), and her early childhood science activity column, "The Early Years," in the National Science Teachers Association’s elementary school journal, Science and Children.
Valley Drive is one of the few schools in the area to place an emphasis on quality science instruction at the preschool level. Each science experience is coordinated with the classroom teachers. Materials related to each science activity remain in the classroom for several weeks to give the children the opportunity to repeat the experience, and teachers further extend the experience by reading of children's literature related to the concepts. In addition, building on the cooperative spirit of the school, informational notes are sent home for each lesson to encourage parents to do science activities at home with their children.
Additional Resources
Picture Book
What is a Scientist? by Barbara Lehn, with wonderful photos by Carol Krauss
Brookfield, CT: Millbrook Press, 1998.
A good introduction to early childhood science, and a reminder to us all that children are very capable. It helps adults remember not to tell the children what they see, understand, guess, or wonder about, but to give the children time and permission to voice it. Although the book does not reference the National Science Education Standards, it almost describes the definition of inquiry.
Favorite quote: "Scientists have fun."
Parent and Teacher Resource Books
Science is Simple: Over 250 Activities for Preschoolers, by Peggy Ashbrook
Beltsville, MD: Gryphon House, 2003.
Practical ideas on how to convey concepts using inexpensive or recyclable materials. Each lesson has an accompanying note to copy and send home to the families to help them connect to their child’s school.
Favorite quote: "Bringing Science Home! A Note Home to Families About Eating Sunlight. Dear Families…"
Worms, Shadows, and Whirlpools, by Karen Worth and Sharon Grollman
Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann, 2003.
Clearly describes the characteristics of a high-quality early-childhood science program and teacher — what we can strive for. Highlights (through vignettes) the work of classroom teachers that relay core ideas in life, physical, and earth and space sciences. Emphasizes doing in-depth exploration of a topic over time.
Favorite quote: "Curiosity alone is not enough for children to develop skills and promote their understanding. For children to develop the skills of scientific inquiry, adult guidance is essential. Teachers can foster such inquiry by building on children’s spontaneous exploration and gradually guiding them to become more focused and systematic in their observations and investigations" (p. 27).
Magazine
Ladybug: The magazine for young children
A rich source of seasonal stories and poems, many of which include science concepts, as well as occasional science activities. 1-800-821-0115, www.ladybugmag.com