Investigating Water With Young Children (Ages 3–8)

Water is a valuable context for children to explore and learn science and engineering, and this book provides teachers with ideas for engaging children in engineering experiences that build a foundation for later STEM learning. The book offers guidance for arranging the classroom environment, integrating literacy learning, and building partnerships with administrators and families to enhance STEM learning for young learners.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 160 pages
Publication date: 24 November 2023
Publisher: Teachers' College Press

Water, a captivating subject for children, serves as a profound context for fostering their curiosity, acquiring, and applying science and engineering practices. This book empowers teachers to engage young learners through hands-on experiences that cultivate spatial thinking, early concepts of water dynamics, and the engineering of water movement. By engaging children in pouring and filling containers of various shapes and sizes, observing the intricate interactions between water and surfaces, exploring the dynamics of water movement, and utilizing water to propel objects, educators establish a solid foundation that supports their subsequent exploration of this phenomenon in higher education and nurtures an interest in STEM fields.

The text offers valuable guidance for creating an optimal physical, intellectual, social–emotional, and promotional environment within the early childhood classroom. It emphasizes the integration of literacy learning, fostering essential partnerships with administrators and families to enhance STEM learning for our youngest learners.

WaterWorks, an innovative STEM experience collaboratively developed by young children, their teachers, and early childhood researchers, forms the centerpiece of this book. It presents an approach that empowers children to actively engage in science and engineering endeavors rather than merely being taught about these fields. Through daily STEM experiences alongside literacy learning, children are provided with opportunities to explore, experiment, and develop their scientific and engineering skills.

The book showcases a wide array of engineering experiences tailored to children aged 3 to 8, offering practical guidance for planning and implementing these experiences effectively. These experiences encompass a range of topics, such as designing and constructing water systems, exploring water properties, and designing and testing vehicles that utilize water as a means of propulsion.

Furthermore, the book provides valuable insights into documenting children's learning over time, aligning with the Early Learning Outcomes Framework and the Next Generation Science Standards. Contributors from various fields, including education, engineering, and research, contribute their expertise and perspectives to enrich the content and enhance its practicality for early childhood educators.

In conclusion, this book is a valuable resource for teachers seeking to engage children in meaningful STEM experiences that foster their curiosity, develop their skills, and nurture a lifelong interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. By providing practical guidance, real-world examples, and a collaborative approach, it empowers educators to create an environment that fosters inquiry, creativity, and a love for learning, preparing our youngest learners for success in an increasingly technological world.

Dimension: 279 x 216 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780807769041