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Scientific Inquiry: See

Preschoolers

Observation 

  • Describe the physical setting for this video segment. Where is the teacher? Where are the children? What is on the table? What are the children and teacher doing with the different objects? What scientific concept are the children learning about? What does the child in pink say that confirms her understanding? How does the teacher respond?

Application

  • Which teaching practices does the teacher use in this experience? Check the “Know” and “Do” sections for ideas. How does the documentation chart help children understand that magnets attract some items and repel others?
  • What vocabulary words does the teacher introduce to the children? How do the children demonstrate their understanding of the words?

Reflection

  • What might the next step be for this teacher and children in learning about magnets and the properties of different items and materials?
  • What else could this teacher do to help the children observe and describe phenomena? What materials, experiences, activities, and interactions would support their scientific inquiry?

Observation 

  • Describe the physical setting for this video segment. Where is the teacher? Where are the children? What are the children doing with the gooey substance (gak)? What do they say to describe the results of their mixing? How does the teacher respond?

Application

  • Which teaching practices does the teacher use in this experience? Check the “Know” and “Do” sections for ideas. How does she support the children’s exploration of the pink and blue substances?
  • How does the teacher respond to the children’s descriptions of what they are observing?

Reflection

  • What could be a next step after the children have finished mixing the gak? What might the teacher provide for the children to use with the gak?
  • What other “recipes” for art and craft materials allow children to observe and describe observable phenomena? What scientific vocabulary could the children learn by following these recipes and then using their senses to explore their creations?

Read more:

,  School Readiness