Module 2: Is the grass still green at night?

Abstract

Whether children are observing water as it trickles down a slope, building towers, exploring the different electronic sounds of a mobile phone, feeling the sensation of mud between their toes, or noticing the difference between sweet and sour foods, they are engaged in science. Such simple play-based activities can evoke a sense of curiosity, and open up a world of science for children to explore.Planting the Seeds of Science offers a flexible and integrated approach to the teaching and learning ofscience for 3 to 8 year old children. This book was designed as a catalyst for pre-service early childhood teachers' engagement in science learning and teaching. Pre-service (and in-service) teachers bring many strengths into the classroom that are essential in science: respect for children's intellect, curiosity and questioning; celebration of a child's wonder; excitement associated with explorationand discovery; and a willingness to develop instruction based upon children's thinking that embraces open-ended inquiry (Howes, 2002). At the same time teachers sometimes bring a lack of self confidence to teaching science due to their limited science content knowledge and lack of experience.This book has been developed to allow teachers to work with their strengths while connecting with science in a manner that is comfortable for them. Five modules of work are presented in this book based around the themes of the environment, astronomy, forensic science, cleanliness and solar energy. These themes were chosen and developed so they would easily tap into children's curiosity while connecting directly with their everyday experiences. Each module has been developed through a close collaboration between teacher educators, scientists, engineers, pre-service teachers andexperienced early childhood teachers. Used as a flexible and adaptive resource for teachingscience in the early childhood years, this book will provide the seeds for ideas that support children's curiosity and engagement in science. Planting the Seeds of Science aims to support early childhood teachers as they embark on a fun-filled scientific journey with the children they teach.