Worms, Shadows, and Whirlpools: Science in the Early Childhood Classroom - Softcover

Karen Worth; Sharon Grollman

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0325005737 ISBN 13: 9780325005737

Publisher: Heinemann, 2003

Synopsis

This book represents a new way to think about science education for young children. Based on the growing understanding that even the littlest learners are powerful thinkers and theory makers, it identifies important science inquiry skills and concepts appropriate for the very young. What's more, it makes a strong case for integrating science into the curriculum right from the start - creating a context for the development of language, mathematical thinking, and social skills.

Authors Karen Worth and Sharon Grollman define and illustrate what science education can and should be. They draw upon what is known about the learning, effective teaching, and science education of young children by using the daily work of teachers and children in Head Start, kindergarten, day care, and preschool programs. They fill their book with teacher stories, photographs, and examples of children's work, plus commentary highlighting particular teaching strategies and child learning.

Read this book and understand what a quality science program encompasses. Then see what the youngest students can do given the opportunity to explore phenomena and materials that draw upon their natural curiosity, captivate, motivate, and prepare them for ideas important to later learning.

About this title

About the Author:

Sharon Grollman is a senior research associate at the Center for Children & Families at Education Development Center, Inc. She has developed educational materials for more than twenty years. She has also worked at Harvard University on child-related research projects. Her findings have appeared in professional journals.

Karen Worth is nationally known for her work in the science-literacy connection and science for young students. She is the lead author for Science & Literacy, Heinemann's groundbreaking professional development program. She is a Senior Research Scientist at Education Development Center, Inc. She also teaches in the School of Education and Child Life at Wheelock College. Karen has been a consultant for many organizations, including public television, on science for pre-K through elementary school. She was also a member of the development team for the National Science Education Standards.

Review:

“A must-read for both experienced and beginning preschool teachers.”–Ben Mardell, Project Zero, Harvard Graduate School of Education

“All teachers of young children should learn how to bring the ideas in this book into their teaching”–Diane Levin, Professor of Education, Wheelock College

“. . . a wonderful tapestry of science content, teaching strategies, and classroom examples all held together with insights about children, the wisdom of teachers, and the theme of scientific inquiry.”–Rodger W. Bybee, Executive Director, Biological Sciences Curriculum Study

About this edition

• Publisher: Heinemann
• Publication date: 2003
• ISBN 10: 0325005737
• ISBN 13: 9780325005737
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 168