The Early Years: Drawing Movement

Journal Article | October 2012

This column discusses resources and science topics related to students in grades preK to 2. This month’s issue describes how drawing can help assess what children understand about physical actions and teach children…

The Early Years: "Life" Science

Journal Article | January 2013

This column discusses resources and science topics related to students in grades preK to 2. This month’s issue discusses the complete life cycle of a plant.

The Early Years: Learning Measurement

Journal Article | September 2006

The world is filled with references to measurements that limit children's activities. It's no wonder children strive to be"big" when they often hear adults remarking, "That's too big a piece of cake for you," or "That'…

The Early Years: Learning by Nature

Journal Article | February 2012

This column discusses resources and science topics related to students in grades preK to 2. This month’s issue discusses getting children comfortable with nature by facilitating positive outdoor experiences.

The Early Years: The Wonders of Weather

Journal Article | December 2012

This column discusses resources and science topics related to students in grades preK to 2. This month’s issue discusses weather data collection.

The Early Years: Circle Time

Journal Article | June 2012

This column discusses resources and science topics related to students in grades preK to 2. This month’s issue discusses using circle time to discuss science topics.

The Early Years: Observing With Magnifiers

Journal Article | January 2008

Inspire your students to become detailed observers by encouraging the use of magnifiers. Magnification can make us see an object with new understanding. Rachel Carson said, “Some of nature’s most exquisite handiwork is…

The Early Years: Hear That?

Journal Article | March 2009

Like breathing, the ability to hear sound is often taken for granted unless it becomes impaired. Children may not wonder about how sound is generated or detected until introduced to an inquiry activity about sound.…

The Early Years: Objects in Motion

Journal Article | February 2008

Objects in motion attract children. The following activity helps children explore the motion of bodies riding in a vehicle and safely demonstrates the answer to their questions, “Why do I need a seatbelt?” Children will…

The Early Years: Pair Up

Journal Article | June 2010

Become part of a professional learning community by pairing up to exchange ideas and lesson plans. Professional development in real-life situations and collaborations with others is part of the National Science…

The Early Years: Paths of Light

Journal Article | November 2009

Exploring light is part of the National Science Education Content Standard B: Physical Science. Introduce reflection when you see children noticing their reflection in mirror or window by asking them what it means.…

The Early Years: Tooth Time

Journal Article | February 2006

One of the big changes in childhood is the loss of "baby" teeth, beginning around age five. Children often say, "I'm a big kid now. I lost my tooth!" This event is longed for, feared, and celebrated. Tooth care is…

The Early Years: Air Is Not Nothing

Journal Article | November 2008

Children usually begin to understand that a substance called air is all around us after age three, but they don’t grasp that air is matter until age five, or even older. They may learn that “air is a gas” but have…

Scope on the Skies: A year in the skies

Journal Article | August 2003

This column focuses on astronomy throughout the year. This month’s issue highlights the astronomical events for the 2003-2004 school year.