A hands-on curriculum for preschoolersand an in-depth resource for home childcare providers, preschool teachers, daycares and parents, the KidSparkz! SuperScience Curriculum features:
75 core learning experiences
many connections to other curriculum areas
related children's and teacher's books
resources for supplies and equipment
101 pages packed with activities, ideas, and successful ways to explore science with young children
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101 pages; Adobe .PDF format. It can also be purchased as part of pur large curriculum packet, The Curriculum Creator.
FROM THE INTRODUCTION:
"To us, the ways of the world are pretty much "old hat". After all, how many times have we seen the sun rise and set, or water disappearing down the drain, or turned a light switch on and off? But to a child, everything is new and mysterious. Connections aren't formed yet, the "whole" is not seen - only parts that don't seem to connect. No wonder children use "magical thinking" to make sense of their surroundings.
How can we, as teachers, caregivers and parents, guide their journey of discovery? We can describe with words, but many of the words are new, too. We can read stories, of course, and show pictures, and sing songs. But ultimately, for children to make the connections and develop logical thinking, they must experience and discover and wonder and question themselves, using their own senses, and not once, but MANY times.
This book is a compilation/collection of 75 core discovery experiences that are intrinsically interesting and fun, and they also lead to questioning and a desire to know more.They can be presented many times, and each time new connections will be made, and "mystery" will gradually become reality and knowledge."
The 75 core experiences are categorized under the headings of--
Life Science: Plants and Animals
Life Science: People
Earth and Sky Science, and
Physical Science
This curriculum can be used as the basis for an early childhood program, or it can be incorporated into an existing one. It can be used by preschool teachers; home daycare providers; homeschooling parents.It is developmentally appropriate for children aged 3 years old to Kindergarten and beyond. It is based on sound educational practice and theory. It has been extensively researched.
Here is a list of the core experiences. Each of the core experiences illustrates a broader scientific principle, and will pave the way for more learning, questioning and understanding every time they are repeated, or referred to, as the child develops.
PHYSICAL SCIENCE
Magnify!
Ways to measure Time
Magnetic Attraction
Comparison of Volume
Ramps in Motion
Ice Melting
Sink or Float a Boat
Color Mixing
Sponges and Water
Evaporation and Condensation
Making Air Work
Transparent, Translucent, Opaque
Dropping Things Through the Air
Static Electricity
Battery Electricity
Properties of Soap and Water
Weights and balances
How Can Heat Change Things?
Measuring and Comparing Lengths
Tools and Machines Help Us Do Things
Lifting With Levers
Wheels
Predicting How Simple Machines Will Work
Parts of a Computer
Discoveries With Straws
Different Ways of Making Light
LIFE SCIENCE – PLANTS and ANIMALS
Comparing Leaves
Exploring Pumpkins
Making Applesauce
Shucking Corn
Earthworm Observation
Parent and Baby Animals
Collecting Ants
Spider Season
Visit to a Pet Store
Living and Non Living Things
Animals Come in many Sizes, Shapes and Colors
Ways Animals Move
Whose Nose, Ears, Feet?
Animals Need to Eat
Difference Between Wild and Tame Animals
People Can Use Products Provided By Animals and Plants
Animal Coverings- Hair, Fur, Feathers, Scales and Skin
