What is Science?

Welcome back for another Saturday Science. I am especially excited because today marks the first day that we are opening up for others to link up their wonderful science ideas. This means that week by week we will building an ongoing resource of science ideas in one place which will be invaluable to me as I continue to try to homeschool without a curriculum. In honor of our fresh beginnings together, I thought I would explore the question “What is Science?”What is Science For Kids

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I have always loved science since I was a little girl. From investigating in the back yard on my own to my AP Physics class in highschool, science has always been a part of my life. It is no surprise then, that as a teacher it was also one of my favorite subjects to teach. Along the way, I have met many people and children that are scared by science. Science makes them uneasy. My hope is that by breaking it down to its simplest form, I can help you see that science can be fun.

Science is Discovery & Observation

From the youngest age, children are naturally inquisitive. Even Super B (10 months) is constantly exploring the world around her and making meaning as she goes. Allowing your child to “stop and smell the roses” is actually encouraging scientific thought and discovery.

Science is observationWhat Does This Look Like?

* Using Senses to Explore an Object
* Discussing Textures, Size, Properties
* Drawing and Documenting Findings
* Comparing/Contrasting Information Collected

Encouraging children to observe the small details, measure and record information, and explore new vocabulary not only builds their scientific background; but sets the foundation for future learning. You can encourage this by teaching children how to take pictures, sketch objects, and provide words for the children to describe what they are learning.

Where to Start with Discovery and Observation

Teach Preschool is an expert at presenting children with Discovery Tables for children

The Art of Observation from Playful Learning

Science is Inquiry

 In its simplest form, Science with children is all about Inquiry. Inquiry requires children to combine what they already know with new scientific reasoning and critical thinking to develop their understanding of new concepts.

Science is InquiryWhat Does This Look Like?

* Asking Questions
* Planning and Conducting Simple Investigations
* Using Simple Tools to Gather Data (information)
* Collecting Data through surveys, questions, and Research
* Using Their Data to Create a Reasonable Explanation
* Presenting Investigations and New Findings to Others

Allowing children to question their environment challenges their thoughts and current knowledge. The inquiry process can be fostered at a young age by facilitating questioning and problem solving, modeling experiments and then challenging children to investigate further. The key to fostering inquiry and young children is to guide questions, rather than always providing answers. The goal is not to always get the right answer, rather to encourage children to find explorations that lead to further questions.

Where to Start with Inquiry Science

Getting Started with Science ~Lemon Lime Adventures

Discover Chemistry: Explore an Unknown Liquid ~ Planet Smarty Pants

Our Favorite Resources for Starting with Science with Kids

Usbourne Science Experiments Project Approach Resource

Now Its Time for Saturday Day Science Link-Up

Let’s make this an amazing resource for anyone looking for science ideas for their children or students. Not only will you be helping my family plan for homeschool, you will be building a repertoire of ideas for others to benefit from. Each week we bring you new science ideas, feature our favorites and pin the ideas our collaborative board.

Saturday Science Blog HopBe sure to follow our hosts:

What Can the Wind Do? from Stir the Wonder

Easter Egg Races: Exploring Angles of Ramps, Gravity & Motion from Little Bins for Little Hands

Rainbow Milk from The Joys of Boys

 

Follow Sarah McClelland’s board Science Experiments for Kids on Pinterest.


Now, Its Your Turn! Show us your awesome science! Simple or complex, child led or adult directed. We can’t wait to see what you have!

 

 

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15 thoughts on “What is Science?”

  1. Hi Dayna,

    Thanks for starting up the Saturday Science Blog Hop! I’m excited to participate and see what others are doing for science projects.

    I submitted a link to my site but somehow the photo didn’t load; I tried doing it from my iPad and somehow unselected the photo. Aargh!

    If you have time, can you delete my link so I can resubmit it. No worries if you don’t have time. Thanks for your time and thanks for you blog – it’s one of my favorites 🙂

    Thanks so much!

    Cassie

    1. Thank you so much! I am so excited this is a link up! You know I have no clue how to delete your link. If you want to message me me the link I can add it for you. I have been having trouble lately too.

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  3. Victoria

    I love this! I always hated science in school but since becoming a mum I’ve discovered I love it, I just nevrr truly understood what it was, now it’s my job to make sure my girls understand and in turn love it. 🙂

  4. I just found your blog through Pinterest and I LOVE your approach to science! When our kids were younger, we didn’t use a science curriculum either. We observed, explored, asked questions and experimented. It was an awesome time. Now, that they are a bit older they love science and help choose their curriculum. Glad I found you!

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