Science and Children

There is a very close relationship between science and children. As we all know, there is no action without science. In this modern era, man lives in a world of scientific actions. Preschool children can learn a great deal of scientific principles and concepts if they are helped to become observant, deeply interested and stimulated.

Why do children need science experiences?

Science concepts can be simplified and conveyed to preschool children in many ways. Science experiences help children to:

• Gain first-hand experiences
• Develop basic concept and enhance basic knowledge
• Increase skills of observation
• Gain opportunities to use tools, equipment and materials
• Fulfil curiosity and need for exploration
• Learn problem solving
• Desire for curiosity and seek answers to their questions
• Enhance their sensory, physical, emotional, intellectual and social development
• Acquire scientific attitudes and scientific bent of mind

There are several experiences that could be offered for preschool children in physical, biological and other sciences. Experiences in biological science are listed below in terms of food, plants, human beings and animals.

Food

• Discussing the different tastes of food (Sour, sweet, bitter, salty etc)
• Discussing food that grows in water (fish, crab)
• Preparing vegetables and fruits for cooking & eating
• Observing colours of fruits of vegetables
• Feeling the coverings of fruits & vegetables
• Tasting fruits and vegetables in various forms (raw, cooked, juice)
• Making ice cream, salads
• Observing the difference when heat is applied to foods
• Making bread and cake
• Discussing nutritious foods
• Talking about food preparation

Plants

• Discussing uses of plants for food, clothing and shelter
• Observing changes in nature
• Gathering various kinds of seeds (flower, vegetable, nuts etc)
• Discussing the cycle of trees and their uses
• Observing the growth of seeds - roots growing down & stem up
• Caring for plants - they need air, water, sunshine & soil
• Exploring the growth of plants in terms of their yields (Potatoes on root, corn on stalk)
• Planting and caring for a garden
• Observing growth of vegetables in water
• Planting bulbs in cans or cartons
• Taking a nature walk
• Providing a museum shelf to include rocks, shells etc

Human Beings

• Learning about different parts of the body
• Observing a mother bathing, feeding or dressing a baby
• Talking about the roles of various family members (mother, father, sister, brother, baby and grand parents)
• Discussing the occupation of father and mother
• Discussing things the child can do now, that he could not do when he was younger
• Talking about ways to keep up physical well being
• Observing the different characteristics of people
• Discussing about various community helpers

Animals

• Discussing insects and how they protect themselves (wasps, bees, mosquitoes and flies)
• Observing movements of animals (some squirm, some fly, some hop, some walk, some crawl)
• Characteristics of various animals (web, claws, number of legs etc)
• Feeding various animals and observing what they eat (hay, grain, milk, carrots & nuts)
• Rearing pets at home
• Discussing reproduction of animals/insects
• Observing frogs in various stages of development
• Observing housing of animals (nest, hole, house, cage)
• Observing animals feeding their young
• Imitating sounds made by various animals
• Learning the names of animal babies, male and female
• Feeling the covering of various animals (shell, fur, wool, skin, feathers)
• Observing animals at work (mule, bee, ant, spider, squirrel)
• Discussing ways in which animals help us
• Care of animals & limits in handling them
• Watching and feeding birds
• Observing various bird nests
• Watching a caterpillar spin a cocoon
• Observing animals in a park or zoo
• Visiting a poultry farm
• Watching the activities in a dairy