U.S. education generally portrays science from the Western perspective. As a result, students from different cultures, also referred to as nonmajority students, often struggle to relate material learned in class to their own cultures and lived experiences. Cultural relevance is gaining momentum in broader education reform movements to relate…

Strong evidence from recent brain research shows that the intentional teaching of science is crucial in early childhood. "Big Science for Growing Minds" describes a groundbreaking curriculum that invites readers to rethink science education through a set of unifying concepts or "big ideas." Using an integrated learning approach, the author shows…

Providing sun-safe environments, schedules, and activities; teaching and modeling sun-safe behaviors; and implementing a sun-safe school policy are ways that schools can help protect children from sun overexposure and lay the foundation for a healthy lifestyle at an early age. This article presents the SunWise program and examples of classroom…

A science unit illustrates the concept of scientific predictions by using how geologists predict where to drill for oil as an example. In a related exercise, everyday items such as bricks, sand, and marbles introduce permeability. Other activities demonstrate how to base predictions on established patterns. A reproducible page is provided. (JL)

Using hands-on activities and the "Plan, Do, Review" approach, this physics curriculum for 3-year-old children is designed to develop an early interest in and enthusiasm for science and to excite children about learning in general. The curriculum is designed to be implemented biweekly in preschool or child care programs but may also be…

Using hands-on activities and the "Plan, Do, Review" approach, this physics curriculum for 4-year-olds is designed to develop an early interest in and enthusiasm for science and to excite children about learning in general. The curriculum is designed to be implemented biweekly in preschool or child care programs but may also be presented…

Noting that children learn through active involvement and concrete experiences as well as through dialogue about these experiences, this book provides instructional guidelines and class activities to assist the cognitive, social, creative, personal, and physical development of young children based on early childhood research and theory. Chapter 1…

This book is designed to introduce teachers to digital technology and its uses in the classroom as a new teaching tool that can create curriculum, document learning, provide instant feedback, and share student growth with parents. The book's introduction details the ease in which digital technology can be incorporated into the curriculum.…