Overviews characteristics of preoperational thought, summarizes Piaget's theory of the peroperational child's view of reality, explores implications of the preoperational stage of development for early childhood science education, and provides general guidelines for an early childhood science curriculum. (Author/RH)

Shows how several principles from Piaget's theory have a number of implications for the classroom learning environment, curriculum development and teacher role. (BF/JH)

Noting that science, mathematics, and technology are the cornerstones of the schools of the future, discusses the criteria for evaluation of science, mathematics, and technology curricula, including learning environment, curriculum design, learning activities, and parent participation. Also provides strategies on how to improve and extend science…

Discusses the value of nature education to early childhood education. The domains of adaptive, aesthetic, cognitive, communication, sensorimotor, and socioemotional development are discussed. Suggests that because young children learn primarily through their senses and motoric manipulation, they are excellent candidates for nature education…

Explores the importance of play in the cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development of young children. Functional, constructive, and dramatic play, and games with rules, are examined. Suggests that play is a powerful curricular tool for the kindergarten and primary classroom. Investigates ways to integrate play into the curriculum and to…