Science in Early Childhood

        Studies show that American students perform poorly in science compared to international students. There is no reason America's students should not be high-achievers in science.

         To reach the goal of students excelling in science, we must emphasize science education from the very beginning in preschool and the early elementary grades. Unfortunately in the schools, science is not heavily focused on as much in the early grades. Literacy is the primary focus of a child's education during the early primary grades.

          Young children love to explore, and are naturally interested in science. They love to investigate and discover the world around them. Young children need lots of hands-on activities, not just a bunch of facts. Children should be learning how to find answers about science through discovery. It is very important for young children to learn by doing. This is the best way that young children learn when they can see and touch.

           Science concepts can be seen in traditional early childhood activities such as playing with water and sand, and outdoor activities such as going on a nature walk. If we can spark a young child's interest in science during the early years, that child is much more likely to continue having an interest in science throughout all the school years and to be successfull in the subject of science.

Comments

[ymwong]

I agree with you that young children spend very little time in learning science at school. May be that is the reason why children are not good at science. I also agree with you that hand-on activity is very important in teaching science. And that is the only way that helps kids better understnd this subject.

[Perla Chavez]

I too agree that the Early chidhood years are essential in sparking the intrest for learning Science. Schools and teachers at this level should put alot more empahsis in teaching this subject to boraden student knowledge and interest. Hands-on-activities are an excellent resource for teaching Science. Not only does it make it fun for the students, but they seem to grasp the concept alot more clearer when they can see and touch what they are learning.

[Angelica Villarreal]

I completely agree. We should start implementing science in preschool. We need to get our student ready they need a 21st century science education. They will be the future teachers, presidents, etc. and if we become their role models now they will be get the science education they need.

[Vivian Nguyen]

Children do learn more from hands-on activities. If they can feel the object they can visualize materials being taught.

[ang3may]

I think the most important part of teaching is giving children the opportunity to explore their environment. Allowing children to explore lets them ask their own questions and find their own answers. We as teachers want to encourage students to be curious. I have personally always been a visual learner. I just think that it helps children to see how things work rather than just read about it.