The teaching approach behind PBS's Sid the Science Kid
New! Preschool Pathways to Science (PrePS™) Facilitating Scientific Ways of Thinking, Talking, Doing, and Understanding
By Rochel Gelman, Ph.D., Kimberly Brenneman, Ph.D., Gay Macdonald, M.A., & Moisés Román, B.A.
Hear the authors talk about what's behind PrePS in this clip from Rutgers Today. (To view the clip, download a copy of Adobe QuickTime.)
To ensure they're meeting state early learning guidelines for science, preschool educators need fun, age-appropriate, and research-based ways to teach young children about scientific concepts. That's just what they'll get with this hands-on guidebook! The basis for the PBS KIDS show Sid the Science Kid, this innovative teaching resource helps children ages 3–5 investigate their everyday world and develop the basics of scientific thinking—skills they'll apply across subject areas when they enter school.
A fun and engaging way to introduce science to young children, PrePS is a must-have because it
Is based on the domain-specific approach to cognitive development. The collaborative work of cognitive researchers and preschool educators, this approach incorporates lessons learned from developmental research and classroom experience.
Provides age-appropriate introduction to key science practices (see box).
Supports a range of cognitive and social skills. PrePS uses science to help children develop math skills, early literacy and language skills, and social and emotional sensitivity.
Makes the most of children's natural curiosity. PrePS isn't a rigid curriculum that asks children to memorize facts. It's a flexible, hands-on approach that helps teachers build on what children do best—actively explore their world.
Encourages collaboration between teachers and children. PrePS encourages children's full participation, making learning a true partnership between adults and children.
Enhances any curriculum. PrePS gives teachers creative new ways to support science learning and reasoning within everyday routines and lessons.
Taps teachers' creativity. Because PrePS is designed to energize teachers and tap in to their personal creativity, teachers who already use the PrePS approach have reported an increase in professional satisfaction.
This reader-friendly guide gives educators the guidance they need to work PrePS into their existing program; sample schedules designed for the preschool classroom; and detailed sample activities they can do right away or use as templates for their own creative lessons. And with the book's assessment guidelines, teachers will know PrePS is having a measurable effect on the classroom environment and student learning.
Start young children on PrePS today, and help them develop the critical thinking skills they'll need to succeed—in science class, in other academic subjects, and in life.
Help children learn key science practices:
Observe, predict, check
Compare, contrast, experiment
Vocabulary, discourse, and language
Counting, measurement, and mathematics
Recording and documenting
ORDERING INFO
ISBN 978-1-59857-044-1
layflat paperback
144 pages
8.5 x 11 2009 Price: $29.95
Stock# 70441
Table of Contents
List of Figures, Tables, Boxes, and Activities
About the Authors
Acknowledgments
1: Introduction to PrePS™
Science for Preschool?
More Competence than Meets the Eye
A Preview of PrePS
Conclusion
2: The Nature and Development of Concepts: Implications for Teaching Preschool Science
More about Theories
Theory into Practice
Developing the PrePS Framework
Flexible Plans
Conclusion
3: Key Science Practices
Observe, Predict, Check
Compare, Contrast, Experiment
Vocabulary, Discourse, and Language
Counting, Measurement, and Math
Recording and Documenting
Planning for the Science Practices
Activity 3.1: Introducing Observation
Activity 3.2: Making Predictions
Activity 3.3: The Blubber Glove Experiment
Activity 3.4: Animate/Inanimate Distinction Activity Using Wind-Up Toys
4: Getting Started and Moving Forward
Getting Started with PrePS
Early PrePS Learning Experiences
Time to Explore ... an Explore Some More
Activity 4.1: Exploring the Functions of Senses: Comparing and Contrasting with Apples
Activity 4.2: Exploring the Functions of Senses: Describing Coconuts
Activity 4.3: Exploring the Functions of Senses: Matching Sounds
Activity 4.4: Exploring the Functions of Senses: Felt Weight and Balance Scales
5. Assessment
How Do We Know PrePS Supports Development of the Whole Child?
How Do We Know PrePS Supports Scientific Thinking and Understanding?
How Can Teachers Assess the Effects of PrePS on the Classroom Environment and on Students' Learning?
How Do I Know If I'm Doing It Right?
Some Final Thoughts
To ensure they're meeting state early learning guidelines for science, preschool educators need fun, age-appropriate, and research-based ways to teach young children about scientific concepts. That's just what they'll get with this hands-on guidebook! The basis for the PBS KIDS show Sid the Science Kid, this innovative teaching resource helps children ages 3–5 investigate their everyday world and develop the basics of scientific thinking—skills they'll apply across subject areas when they enter school.
