Full Description
Science exploration plays a vital role in children's lives as they make sense of the world around them. Now in its fifth edition, Science in Early Childhood complements the recently updated Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and the Australian Curriculum: Science. It offers a comprehensive introduction to the essential elements of science learning and teaching for pre-service teachers and early childhood professionals. This edition has been revised to closely align with the EYLF and Australian Curriculum: Science. It includes more content on sustainability - a rapidly growing area in early childhood science - and a stronger focus on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives. Each chapter includes case studies, reflection questions and practical tasks which help to bridge the gap between theory and practical applications of new concepts. Supplementary resources are available online for instructors. Science in Early Childhood is an invaluable resource for pre-service teachers and early childhood professionals.
Contents
Introduction Coral Campbell and Christine Howitt; Part I. What Initial Information Should I Know to Teach Science?: 1. The place of science in the early years Coral Campbell and Christine Howitt; 2. Identifying the science in early childhood policy documentation Andrea Nolan and Bridie Raban; 3. Science in the Australian Curriculum Kathryn Paige; 4. Learning theories linking to early childhood science education Coral Campbell and Sarika Kewalramani; Part II. How Can I Enhance Children's Learning of Science?: 5. Approaches to enhance science learning Coral Campbell, Sarika Kewalramani and Kate Chealuck; 6. Inquiry science for young children Christine Howitt and Pauline Roberts; 7. Teaching science inclusively Gemma Scarparolo; 8. Indigenous Ways of Knowing in science Kate Chealuck and Coral Campbell; 9. Science learning through play Sandra Hesterman and Nicole Hunter; 10. Enhancing young children's science identity through pedagogical practices Elaine Blake and Christine Howitt; 11. STEM education in early childhood Christine Preston; Part III. How Can I Use the Learning Environment to Enhance Children's Science Understandings?: 12. Science learning through informal experiences Christine Howitt and Coral Campbell; 13. Science learning in natural surroundings Coral Campbell and Chris Speldewinde; Part IV. How Do I Plan and Assess in Science?: 14. Planning for teaching science in the early years Christine Howitt and Pauline Roberts; 15. Intentional teaching of science Christine Howitt, Coral Campbell and Suzanne Infantino; 16. Observing, assessing and documenting science learning Coral Campbell and Pauline Roberts; 17. Science education: professional learning through reflective practice Christine Howitt and Coral Campbell.
