Tip 145: October 2020 – Early Scientific Inquiry

Website Educational Tip for Language and Literacy Development

Science is all around us and scientific experiences are an excellent way
for young children to develop critical thinking skills. Ernst Von
Glasersfeld said “successful thinking is more important than correct
answers…” He went on to say that adults “will have to create situations
where children have an opportunity to experience the pleasure inherent in
solving scientific problems.”

Adults should allow young children to be curious, move at their own pace
and to explore their surroundings. Children learn through concrete
experiences with a wide range of engaging discovery-based activities. The
following variety of ideas using early scientific inquiry will stimulate
young children’s observational skills along with a number of children’s
books tied to the scientific activity.

Infants:
Senses

Infants learn about their world by exploring it through their senses. This
type of learning is the basis for later development of concepts and skills
that support scientific thinking. The following books contain real-life
photographs and simple matching activity cards to reinforce what they have
learned about their senses.

Recommended Books:

5 Senses by Alex Chung Published by Lakeshore Learning Materials

My Five Senses by Aliki Brandenberg Published by First Harper Trophy
Edition

Toddlers:
Seeds

When toddlers are supported in the area of scientific thinking, they will
be more likely to be successful. Scientific thinking involves wondering
about things and asking questions. It is also about investigating answers
to questions and collecting information. Take toddlers outside on nature
walks to collect pinecones acorns and seeds. Help them plant the seeds to
see what happens. The following books will help toddlers answer questions
about how to plant seeds and how they grow.

Recommended Books:

The Empty Pot by Demi Published by The Trumpet Club

The Tiny Seed by Eric Carle Published by Scholastic Inc.

Preschoolers:
Butterflies and Moths

It is important for preschooler to go exploring. Always talk with them
about what they are seeing and what is happening. Ask questions that allow
them to give more than one correct answer. Ask them “What do you think will
happen and why, and how can we find out the answers?” The following books
can help find the answers to these questions.

Recommended Books:

The Life of a Butterfly by Ann Murphy Published by Abrams Learning Trends

Amazing World of Butterflies and Moths by Louis Sabin Published by Troll
Associates

Resource – Caterpillar Website: Insectlore.com

The good thing about science is that it is true whether or not you
believe it.

(Neil de Grasse Tyson)