Science

Children are captivated by the natural world and by physical events. They insist that teachers and family members answer their questions about the world around them. By cultivating this sense of wonder, we help children to become scientific thinkers.

Children can learn to use the scientific method in their everyday life. The questions that children ask about insects flying, making a shadow or mixing paints are transformed into hypotheses about their world. They use their senses and scientific tools to observe, collect and interpret data and draw conclusions. Communicating their findings informally in conversations or through the documentation of results, lead children to ask new questions and to continue the cycle of scientific investigation.

Children will understand and use the scientific method of asking questions, observing and recording their findings and discussing their conclusions.

Learning Goals and Definitions	Expectations
1. Play Children engage in play as a means to develop their scientific skills.	Ask questions based upon discoveries made while playing. Use play to discover, question and understand the natural and physical world. Use scientific tools as props in their play.
2. Scientific Knowledge Children learn about the development of the natural and physical world.	Collect, describe and learn to record information through discussion, drawings and charts. Use tools and their senses to make observations, gather and record information and make predictions about what might happen. Investigate changes in materials and cause- effect relationships. Ask and pursue their questions through simple investigations.
3. Scientific Skills and Methods Children begin to use scientific tools and methods to learn about their world.	Explore the natural processes of growing, changing and adapting to the environment. Make simple observations, predictions, explanations and generalizations based on real life experiences. Explore time, temperature and cause-effect relationships based on everyday experiences.