Content: Cover page
Halftitle page
Title page
Copyright page
Praise for this book
Contents
List of figures and tables
Notes on contributors
The editors
The authors
Acknowledgements
Preface
1 Is science import ant in the early years? Lois Kelly
Introduction
What is science?
Science in the early years
How young children construct meaning
Nurturing children's curiosity
Exploring good practice
References
2 Developing budding scientists Kathleen Orlandi
Encouragement to explore and investigate
Uninterrupted thinking time
Access to the world beyond the classroom. Provision for untidinessConclusion
References
3 The role of talk in developing scientific language in the early years
Introduction
How does the teacher help the child develop more precise language?
How does the teacher support a child to refine their under standing of scientific concepts?
How does the teacher ascertain the developing scientific under standing of young children in order to plan for next steps or potential lines of development?
How can the teacher encourage the children to record their own ideas in a meaningful way?
Case study: Humpty Dumpty and his wall. How can recounts develop scientific language?The plan-do-review of High/Scope
The use of stories and storytelling, including traditional and classic stories
The use of puppets in promoting exploratory talk
References
Resources
4 Starting points to inspire science in the early years
Creating the right environment
Case study
Starting points in every day science
The power of stories
Conclusion
References
5 How can continuous provision inspire early years science?
Introduction
What is continuous provision?
Continuous provision supporting science learning. Why is play so important in learning science?What does continuous provision for science learning look like?
Using areas of continuous provision to enhance early years science
Opportune moments
What is the role of the teacher/adult in enhancing science incontinuous provision?
Meaningful conver sations that support sustained shared thinking
How do the questions you ask help children with their sustained shared thinking?
Conclusion
References
6 Inspiring early years science through role play
Introduction
What does role play offer?
The role of the adult in promoting scientific learning. ConclusionReferences
7 Exploring toys and other resources to inspire science in the early years
Introduction
The purpose of resources
Using toys and other resources effect ively
Toys for under standing the world
Something to think about
Messing about in science with balls
Messing about with mud
Messing about with magnets
Conclusion
References
8 Using technology to inspire science in early years
Introduction
Technological innovation and expectations with young children
Using technology to enhance early science skills.