Science in Early Childhood

Science in Early Childhood is the essential science education resource for all pre-service early childhood educators.

Coral Campbell (Edited by), Wendy Jobling (Edited by), Christine Howitt (Edited by)

9781108811965, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 19 January 2021

320 pages
25.5 x 19 x 1.4 cm, 0.69 kg

It is widely recognised that science explorations is vital in children's lives as they make sense of the world. Now in its fourth edition, Science in Early Childhood provides a comprehensive and engaging introduction to science in the early years. Each chapter has been updated to include current research and to address changing priorities in early childhood science education. The text features new chapters on Indigenous ways of knowing science, inquiry approaches to learning science and teaching science inclusively. Science in Early Childhood complements the Australian Early Years Learning Framework and the Australian Curriculum: Science. Concepts, processes and skills are brought to life through detailed case studies, practical tasks and reflective activities. Instructors can also supplement learning by drawing on the extensive materials located on the companion website. Renowned for its accessible and informative content, Science in Early Childhood is essential for all pre-service early childhood educators.

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
3. Identifying the science in the Australian Curriculum documentation Kathryn Paige
4. Learning theories related to early childhood science education Coral Campbell
Part II. How Can I Enhance Children's Learning of Science?: 5. Approaches to enhance science learning Coral Campbell
6. Inquiry approaches to learning science Christine Howitt
7. Teaching science inclusively Gemma Scarparolo
8. Indigenous ways of knowing 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 practice 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 Understanding?: 12. Science learning in informal contexts Coral Campbell and Christine Howitt
13. Learning science through the environment Chris Speldewinde and Coral Campbell
Part IV. How Do I Plan and Assess in Science?: 14. Planning for teaching science in the early years Christine Howitt and Wendy Jobling
15. Intentional teaching of science Christine Howitt
16. Observing, assessing and documenting science learning Coral Campbell
17. Science education professional learning through reflective practice Christine Howitt and Coral Campbell.

Subject Areas: Pre-school & kindergarten [JNLA], Philosophy & theory of education [JNA], Education [JN]