Science in the Early Childhood Classroom
EDC’s Center for Science Education collaborates with early childhood education providers, school districts, agencies, and higher education institutions to design and conduct professional development programs for teachers serving children ages 3–5 years. With National Science Foundation support, we have developed The Young Scientist Series (Redleaf Press) and the publication, Worms Shadows and Whirlpools (Heinemann). These materials include curriculum guidelines and other resources for teachers in the classroom as well as professional development guidelines and resources for those working with teachers. Together these publications define a developmentally sound approach to science in the early childhood classroom that emphasizes:
- Building on children’s natural curiosity about the world they live in at home and in school.
- The potential for a high-quality science program to engage children in intellectually rigorous investigation and problem solving around basic science concepts.
- The important link between doing science and developing language and social skills.
We can work with your agency, center, school, or district to:
- Identify needs and establish goals for science in early childhood classrooms.
- Develop a science curriculum for early childhood programs.
- Design a professional development program for teachers.
- Conduct training programs for trainers or teachers.
- Engage parents and other community groups in the planning and implementation of science programs for young children.
We are available to work in multiple formats including
- Presentations.
- Institutes for teachers and/or professional developers.
- Workshops, preferably in a multi-session format.
- Consultation and technical assistance at various levels of the particular delivery structure (center directors, agency leaders, etc.).
To learn more about this opportunity, contact Karen Worth at kworth@edc.org or 617-618-2428
