A Sense of Wonder - Second edition Cover

A Sense of Wonder - Second edition

Science in early childhood education

Tap into children's innate desire to observe and explore with early childhood science activities! A Sense of Wonder - Second edition explores the endless possibilities for experiencing science in early childhood setting, filled with practical science ideas to inspire educators.  

This second edition outlines an early childhood science framework divided into four learning areas: biological science; physical science; Earth science; and environmental science. Valuable connections are made from the areas of science to the 8 principles, 7 aspects of practice and 5 learning outcomes of the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF V2.0, 2022). The framework aligns with and includes the science learning areas identified in the Australian Curriculum for primary school: biological sciences; chemical sciences; Earth and space sciences; and physical sciences. 

As children engage with science in early childhood education they become confident, capable and involved learners. Order A Sense of Wonder - Second edition to create an inquiry approach that promotes positive learning.  

Ages: 1-5 | Pages: 100 | Code: TS0331 | ISBN: 9781922530943

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Jenny Aitken

Jenny Aitken has extensive experience teaching in Early Childhood Tertiary settings designed to equip preservice teachers and educators with the knowledge and expertise essential for success in early childhood settings. She completed the Master of Education and the required course work for the Doctor of Education at Victoria University whilst employed as a Lecturer in the Bachelor of Teaching Early Childhood.

Throughout her career Jenny’s research interest has revolved around the professional relationships which exist between parents, teachers and children. Her true ongoing passion lies in translating state and national curriculum into engaging and meaningful experiences in an effort to inspire educators’ creativity in their work with young children.

Jan Hunt

Dr Jan Hunt is a highly experienced educator with extensive experience in the early childhood field. She began her teaching journey in early childhood settings where she was dedicated to fostering the growth and development of young learners. Her passion for nurturing curiosity, and creativity led to her interest in science education in early childhood programs while emphasising the critical role of children's play in learning. Jan has also had many years of experience teaching in the TAFE and higher education sectors, equipping preservice teachers with practical skills and knowledge essential for success in the early childhood field. She completed a doctorate focusing on mentoring in preservice teacher education, where she researched effective strategies to support novice teachers in their professional journeys.

Throughout her career, Jan has been an advocate for continuous professional development and reflective practice, believing that mentoring is crucial in shaping the next generation of educators. She is excited to share her knowledge and experiences through her writing, aiming to inspire educators and enhance the quality of teaching and learning in early childhood settings.

Picture of Elizabeth Roy

Elizabeth Roy

Elizabeth Roy was an Early Childhood TAFE teacher at Victoria University for many years. Her areas of expertise include early childhood development, science, nutrition, safe food handling and play-based curriculum theory and design. She also facilitated professional development for TAFE teachers and early childhood educators. Elizabeth is an experienced author who first published in 1986 and has co-authored thirteen health & human development and early childhood text books.

Picture of Bess Sajfar

Bess Sajfar

Bess Sajfar is a sessional lecturer in Early Childhood. Her areas of expertise include early childhood mathematics, science, sustainability, nature pedagogy, the arts and play based curriculum theory and design. Bess started her career in the corporate world, but realised that her passion was teaching. Bess has worked in various educational settings from kindergarten, primary, vocational & tertiary education. She holds a Master’s degree in education and is currently undertaking her PhD, focusing on STEM learning in outdoor spaces in early childhood education.

In 2015 Bess was awarded an Australian Government Office for Learning and Teaching ‘Citation for Outstanding Contributions to inspiring early childhood students in science with the wonder of nature, through integrated and engaging curriculum teaching’. She has co-authored a science teaching resource book, which subsequently was shortlisted and won highly commended primary teaching resource for the Australian Educational Publishing Awards in 2013.

Contents

Preface iv
1. What is science?1
What is the place of science in early childhood?2
What is science?2
Scientists at work3
Early childhood science learning framework4
Science learning areas4
Process skills used in science8
References and further reading10
2. Connecting the Early Years Learning
Framework to science11
The Early Years Learning Framework12
EYLF learning outcomes13
References and further reading16
3. How to honour a child's sense of wonder17
Intentional teaching18
Developing dispositions for learning20
Inquiry-based learning22
Planning for science inquiry24
Pedagogical approaches26
Documenting children's learning28
References and further reading30
4. Creating inspiring spaces for science31
Our changing world32
Science connects to all areas of the curriculum33
Resources to support science inquiry33
Creating aesthetically pleasing environments36
Using real resources37
Science learning safety considerations38
References and further reading38
5. Biological science39
Biological science in early childhood education40
Plants40
The importance of gardening43
Animals47
The human body51
References, further reading and resources54
6. Physical science55
Physical science in early childhood education56
The nature of materials57
Physical and chemical changes60
Forces and movement of objects64
Energy68
References, further reading and resources70
7. Earth science71
Earth science in early childhood education72
Water73
Rocks74
Soils76
Mud77
Sand77
Day and night78
Weather and seasons79
References, further reading and resources82
8. Environmental science83
Science and environmental awareness in early childhood education84
Experiences for children – birth to 3 years86
Experiences for 4- to 5-year-olds88
Composting91
Worm farming92
References, further reading and resources94
Some useful websites and organisations95
Acknowledgements96