In this Let's Learn project one can follow a preschool class as they explore the many aspects of growing plants. After helping the teacher move overgrown plants from small pots to bigger ones, the children want to know more about plants. Using the Project Approach and with the guidance and support of their teachers, the class found ways to investigate and find answers to their questions about growing things. In the process, they engaged in rich language, mathematics, science, and social studies experiences.
In the Planting Project readers can find information and pictures illustrating the activities that were a part of the project in phases I, II, and III. The documentation panels, content standards, and planning webs are included, too. (norman/nmb)
Life Science for Early Childhood
Characteristics and Structure of Life
1.
Identify common needs (e.g., food, air, water) of familiar living things.
2.
Begin to differentiate between real and pretend through stories, illustrations, play and other media (e.g., talking flowers or animals).
Diversity and Interdependence of Life
3.
Observe and begin to recognize the ways that environments support life by meeting the unique needs of each organism (e.g., plant/soil, birds/air, fish/water).
Heredity
4.
Match familiar adult family members, plants and animals with their young (e.g., horse/colt, cow/calf).
5.
Recognize physical differences among the same class of people, plants or animals (e.g., dogs come in many sizes and colors).
Science and Technology for Early Childhood
Understanding Technology
1.
Identify the intended purpose of familiar tools (e.g., scissors, hammer, paintbrush, cookie cutter).
2.
Explore new uses for familiar materials through play, art or drama (e.g., paper towel rolls as kazoos, pan for a hat).
Abilites to do Technological Design
3.
Use familiar objects to accomplish a purpose, complete a task or solve a problem (e.g., using scissors to create paper tickets for a puppet show, creating a ramp for a toy truck).
4.
Demonstrate the safe use of tools, such as scissors, hammers, writing utensils, with adult guidance.
Scientific Inquiry for Early Childhood
Doing Scientific Inquiry
Scientific Ways of Knowing for Early Childhood