As we start another assignment, I want you to think about preschool. I would like for you to discuss the pros/cons for preschool students doing science experiments.
Marianne, As a Pre K3 mom, I think preschoolers should definitely learn through science experiments. Of course, they need to be age appropriate, but I think that would be a great time to learn in a safe environment and develop rules and respect of scientific method and equipment. I think it's a great idea!
Thank you for your input as a mom of a preschooler. I'm a little worried sometimes that parents think it is too young to start age appropriate science experiments. I really love taking them to the science lab, and doing experiments with them. They are so curious at this age and its the perfect opportunity to see that sometimes experiments do fail and thats okay. We have to try and figure out where we went wrong and try again. Thanks for your post!
I agree that this is the perfect age to start introducing the young ones to science. I think you can find many experiments that are simple and not dangerous. I would try to focus on the questions kids ask that you do not expect them to ask and that when you think about it, you are not even sure. Example:Why is the sky blue? That may be hard to do in an experiment but along those lines.
There are so many different experiments that 3-4 year olds can do by themselves. I was a little skeptical at first, but they love it and its fun for them. I have definitely had some questions from students that I was not sure how to explain. I am always honest with them and say, I don't know the answer, but I will try and find out and let you know. They come up with so many questions its exciting to see them thinking outside the box. Thanks for your post!
I love doing science experiments in PreK! I think it is the best time to teach/encourage scientific inquiry as children this age are often so curious about the world. I find hands-on experiments are the most exciting for my 4-5 year olds. We did a "Clean Hands, Dirty Hands" experiment where the students all touched bread with clean hands and then with dirty hands. Ideally, the dirty hands bread grows lots of mold and gross stuff. Unfortunately, due to the magic of preservatives, we didn't notice much difference. Experiments that don't "work" create teachable moments. I think next year we might try some fresh, homemade bread.
I love doing science experiments too! One of my favorite is the dirty hands, clean hands. We use cinnamon and glitter to show our kids how germs spread by touching. We then show them that just putting your hands under the water with no soap leaves the germs on your hands. You have to get the soap, rub your hands together while you sing the abc's and then the germs will be gone. They love to do this experiment. Maybe you could try this with your little ones. Thanks for your post!
I'm not a preschool teacher, but I know how doing science experiments with my third graders can be changeling. You have to be prepared and consider all possible scenarios. Select the most age appropriate materials for your youngsters and experiment away!
Amy, It is definitely challenging with preschoolers. As you said, being prepared is about 95% of the challenge. I thought it would be hard to find some experiments for this age, but there are so many out there it's hard to choose. My kids love to go to the science lab and do experiments. Thanks for your post!
Marianne,
ReplyDeleteAs a Pre K3 mom, I think preschoolers should definitely learn through science experiments. Of course, they need to be age appropriate, but I think that would be a great time to learn in a safe environment and develop rules and respect of scientific method and equipment. I think it's a great idea!
Thank you for your input as a mom of a preschooler. I'm a little worried sometimes that parents think it is too young to start age appropriate science experiments. I really love taking them to the science lab, and doing experiments with them. They are so curious at this age and its the perfect opportunity to see that sometimes experiments do fail and thats okay. We have to try and figure out where we went wrong and try again. Thanks for your post!
DeleteI agree that this is the perfect age to start introducing the young ones to science. I think you can find many experiments that are simple and not dangerous. I would try to focus on the questions kids ask that you do not expect them to ask and that when you think about it, you are not even sure. Example:Why is the sky blue? That may be hard to do in an experiment but along those lines.
ReplyDeleteThere are so many different experiments that 3-4 year olds can do by themselves. I was a little skeptical at first, but they love it and its fun for them. I have definitely had some questions from students that I was not sure how to explain. I am always honest with them and say, I don't know the answer, but I will try and find out and let you know. They come up with so many questions its exciting to see them thinking outside the box. Thanks for your post!
DeleteI love doing science experiments in PreK! I think it is the best time to teach/encourage scientific inquiry as children this age are often so curious about the world. I find hands-on experiments are the most exciting for my 4-5 year olds. We did a "Clean Hands, Dirty Hands" experiment where the students all touched bread with clean hands and then with dirty hands. Ideally, the dirty hands bread grows lots of mold and gross stuff. Unfortunately, due to the magic of preservatives, we didn't notice much difference. Experiments that don't "work" create teachable moments. I think next year we might try some fresh, homemade bread.
ReplyDeleteI love doing science experiments too! One of my favorite is the dirty hands, clean hands. We use cinnamon and glitter to show our kids how germs spread by touching. We then show them that just putting your hands under the water with no soap leaves the germs on your hands. You have to get the soap, rub your hands together while you sing the abc's and then the germs will be gone. They love to do this experiment. Maybe you could try this with your little ones. Thanks for your post!
DeleteI'm not a preschool teacher, but I know how doing science experiments with my third graders can be changeling. You have to be prepared and consider all possible scenarios. Select the most age appropriate materials for your youngsters and experiment away!
ReplyDeleteAmy,
DeleteIt is definitely challenging with preschoolers. As you said, being prepared is about 95% of the challenge. I thought it would be hard to find some experiments for this age, but there are so many out there it's hard to choose. My kids love to go to the science lab and do experiments. Thanks for your post!