This list contains resources to help educators and families explore early science concepts with young children.
IEL Resources
- Tip Sheets:
- CSI: Child Scientist Investigates!
- Cooperation Across the Preschool Curriculum: Science
- Encouraging Scientific Thinking: Rain or Shine
- Fun at Home with Preschoolers: Play with Light & Shadow
- Get Growing series
- Natural Illinois series
- Out and About with Preschoolers: Science in the “Built Environment”
- Out and About with Preschoolers: Sunshine Science
- Playground Physics series
- Blog: Science Play with an Award-Winning Toy
Web Resources
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10 Tips to Support Children’s Science Learning
Source: National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
This article, geared towards families, outlines ten tips to help support young children’s science learning. Science questions for children to consider are also included.
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Early Childhood Science Education
Source: National Science Teaching Association
This is a position statement by the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA). These are basic abilities for science learning that can be encouraged and supported among children in the earliest years of their lives.
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Let There Be Light: Sid the Science Kid
Source: PBS
This 4-minute child’s video includes Sid the Science Kid characters explaining that, while light can be seen and turned on and off, it can’t be held. He decides to investigate further at school.
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Let’s Investigate!
Source: Scholastic
This article explains how to spark a child’s interest in science with seven steps to successful studies.
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Preschool Shadow Science
Source: Association for Library Services for Children (ALSC)
This blog by a librarian offers activities for preschoolers to explore shadows by experimenting with them to create a deeper understanding.
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Promoting Children’s Science Learning One Step at a Time
Source: National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
This article, geared towards preschool teachers, addresses how adults can gain confidence in supporting children’s science learning, what science young children should be learning, how to answer children’s science questions, and how to support science learning with everyday materials.
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Science Explorer: At Home Science
Source: Exploratorium
This is a list of links to a variety of science activities for young children.