Starting science in kindergarten

[science_spot]

An interesting article on Scientific American's website today talks about science and kindergarten.  Since I happen to have a kindergartener, I was very interested in the article and want to share it with you.  I know my girls will get plenty of science education from myself, and we actually started well before kindergarten (you might remember our Wildflower Project last summer, and frequent trips to the Science Museum nearby).

Check out the article (it's short).  The things that struck me the most are:

• Kindergarteners think science is for older kids, and it's too complicated for them to understand.
• They think science isn't fun and they don't want to learn about it.
• They think scientists are men in white coats that work in labs.

These things couldn't be further from the truth, but kids don't know that!  Science is for everyone!  If you need science ideas for kids, my favorite places to get you started are:

• First, understand what science is, and how simple it can be!
• The Science Buddies website and their many cool projects and helpful Expert Forums.  the best thing is, it's ALL FREE!
• My Science Blog on Cafemom, The Science Spot (for moms) group on Cafemom and my new blog "It's not Just the Science", which describes science at my house (with 2 girls under age 6!).
• Your local Science Museum or Zoo.  Science for Abby started at the zoo.  Kids love animals and there are endless learning opportunites there.
• Scientists are everywhere - check out the list of Science Careers, and meet real scientists, on Science Buddies' Career Profile Page. 

You may be in the early years of encouraging a future scientist!  How exciting!

Tonya

The Science Spot (for moms)

It's not Just the Science (a blog about science at my house)

 

[deadheadjen]

Feb. 19, 2010 at 9:45 AM

This is a great one! My little guy is going to be 5 next month and I've been introducing him to some basics such as the 3 states of matter and lifecycles of  things like butterflies. He's such a curious little monkey and really enjoys getting his "But WHY, Mommy?" questions answered.  :)

[aenima49]

Feb. 19, 2010 at 5:02 PM

I have to forward an email to you, from DD's school.  Love that place.  They learn by doing and they all love it!!

[roseisrose]

Feb. 19, 2010 at 7:09 PM

This is so great, thank you for all of the wonderful info!!