E-Book Overview
How do young children develop scientific understandings, skills, and attitudes? What is effective scientific teaching and learning in the early years? How can early-years practitioners be creative providers and develop awe and wonder of the world in the children they teach? The second edition of this bestselling title celebrates good scientific practice in the early years—with children up to eight years of age. For professionals and students working with children up to eight years.
E-Book Content
Second Edition EARLY EXPLORATIONS IN SCIENCE Second Edition Exploring Primary Science and Technology Education Reviews of the first edition: "The ideas and recommendations, based on considerable classroom experience, make this book a valuable aid to students and reflective early years practitioners." - Primary Science Review "At last! A serious attempt to explore the scientific potential of infant and pre-school children… The author explains how scientific skills can be developed at an early stage, stimulating the natural inquisitive streak in children. This book…will start you thinking about science in a much more positive light." - Child Education This accessible and practical book supports good scientific practice in the early years. It helps practitioners to be creative providers, and shows them how to develop awe and wonder of the world in the children they teach. The book highlights the importance of a motivating learning environment and skilled interaction with well-trained adults. In addition, fundamental issues are explored such as the range, nature and philosophical underpinning of early years experiences and the development of emergent scientific skills, understandings and attitudes. New features for this edition include: • An extended age range encompassing early learning from birth - eight • Updated material for the Foundation Stage Curriculum for three – five-year-olds and the National Curriculum 2000 for five – eight-year-olds • A new chapter focusing on conceptual understanding and thinking skills in the early years • An emphasis on the importance of informal learning and play in early development The book introduces and discusses new research and thinking in early years and science education throughout, making it relevant for current practice. This is an indispensable resource for all trainee and practising primary school teachers and early years practitioners. ISBN 0-335-21472-X 9 780335 214723 Johnston Jane Johnston is Reader in Education and Subject Leader for Early Childhood Studies at Bishop Grosseteste College, Lincoln. She continues to work extensively with young children both nationally and internationally. Her previous publications include Teaching the Primary Curriculum (Open University Press, 2002) and Enriching Early Scientific Learning (Open University Press, 1999). Early Explorations In Science "Jane Johnston communicates a sense of effervescent enthusiasm for teaching and science, and her treatment is comprehensive." - TES Early Explorations In Science Jane Johnston Early Explorations in Science Second Edition Exploring Primary Science and Technology Series Editor: Brian Woolnough Department of Educational Studies, University of Oxford Science is one of the most exciting and challenging subjects within the National Curriculum. This innovative new series is designed to help primary school teachers to cope with the curriculum demands by offering a range of stimulating and accessible texts grounded in the very best of primary practice. Each book is written by an experienced practitioner and seeks to inspire and encourage while at the same time acknowledging the realities of classroom life. Current and forthcoming titles Jenny Frost: Creativity in primary science Jane Johnston: Early explorations in scien