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The Early Years: Ongoing Inquiry

Science and Children—February 2011

An in-depth science inquiry is an ongoing investigation in which children are introduced to materials through hands-on experiences and, with teacher guidance, begin to investigate a question that they can answer through their own actions, observations, and with teacher-assisted research. Qualities that make an experience appropriate to include in early childhood science inquiry are described as being interesting to children, linked to their experiences, and accessible to all children’s direct exploration. As children pose questions and seek answers, teachers can use these qualities to decide whether the question has the potential for ongoing inquiry. In addition, developing the skills to do science inquiry is part of the National Science Education Content Standard A: Science as inquiry.
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