In order for children to even have a beginning understanding of earth and space science they must first grasp many of the physical and life science concepts. While space science can be somewhat tricky to use in an early childhood classroom there are ways to incorporate it into early childhood curriculum. Some of the following are concepts that lend themselves to teaching early learners:
Properties of Earth Materials
• Soils
• Sand
• Rocks
Weather and Climate
• Patterns
• Seasons (change)
• How it impacts our lives
• How it causes fast or slow changes in the environment
Movement and Change of the Sun and the Moon
• Day and night
• Position of sun, stars and moon
• Shadows
Even though earth and space science may seem too advanced for young learners we need to remember that children come in with images and information about the earth and space. Talking with students and finding out prior knowledge in these topics can lead to a greater motivation to learn and discover things we might assume they cannot learn.
I think this post can make science seem easier to integrate. Things like seasons, patterns, earth materials, day/night, weather all are things already included in early childhood curriculum. Most of these topics can have a concrete representation, which we have learned in class is extremely important at a young age. Students can explore the different materials in the sensory material to compare/contrast. They can see day turn into night and experience weather changes and precipitation.
ReplyDeleteI feel like the heading to this, Earth and Space Science, is the scariest part. When its broken down the way you have it, it looks a lot easier to cover with younger students and I agree with the first comment about these being "concrete" topics that can be studied and represented. At an early age these topics do need to be covered but almost in disguise so students won't get blown away by the big picture. Thanks for breaking it down!
ReplyDeleteI agree with Luke in that the title of Earth and Space Science does seem like a difficult aspect for little ones to grasp. I guess sometimes it's difficult to think of these more difficult concepts to be broken down into other smaller parts that youngsters can relate to. I think it's a good idea to break down any difficult subject matter the way you did. This will help you teach and develop lessons for these more difficult subject areas.
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