A Head Start on Science: Encouraging a Sense of Wonder

By William C. Ritz

Book Overview

Imagine what fun it could be for 3- to 7-year-olds to engage in a game of Prism Play or Magnetic Scavenger Hunt or Where Did the Shadows Go? Then imagine how convenient it would be for you if such activities came with the connections, standards, and assessments today's early childhood educators need most. Your dream resource comes to life in this revised and expanded edition of A Head Start on Science: Encouraging a Sense of Wonder. It builds on children's innate curiosity through 89 developmentally appropriate, teacher-tested activities in life, Earth, and physical science. Like A Head Start on Life Science, this book emphasizes child-centered development of science practices and skills. Children can explore the natural world as they take advantage of lively opportunities for science learning. But here's what sets this book apart: It's an all-in-one resource for caregivers and teachers from preK to grade 2. Each lesson includes a follow-up activity, connections to centers and children's literature, assessment guides, and bonus activities written in Spanish and English that let families continue the fun--and the learning--at home. Each activity also supports both the 2015 Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework and the Next Generation Science Standards. Whether your young scientists are building bird nests or making bubbles, A Head Start on Science, Second Edition will enrich what the editors call "your noble and indispensable work--providing children with opportunities to follow their own curiosity as they joyfully explore the natural world."

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1933531029
• ISBN13: 9781933531021
• Release Date: June 2007
• Publisher: Nsta - National Science Teaching Association
• Length: 360 Pages
• Weight: 2.25 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 8.2" x 10.7"
• Age Range: 3 to 5 years
• Grade Range: Grades 3 to 5

Customer Reviews

Everything is a science experience

As the curriculum lead for our Head Start program, I was impressed with the comprehensive introduction to the book. The introduction addressed beliefs of science education, role of questioning, using the developmentally appropriate activities, children with special needs, cultural and linguistic needs, and safety. Each activity in the book includes the investigation, the process skills, materials needed, and procedures. The activities are linked across the eight domains in the Head Start Child Outcomes Framework. Each activity also has a family page that can be reproduced and sent home with the child to extend the learning. The book includes 89 activities that have been used by teachers in Head Start programs across the country. By reading the book, I can summarize by saying that everything is a science experience.