Science
Infants, toddlers, and preschoolers learn foundational science through hands-on exploration, observation, and play. Key concepts include cause-and-effect (actions leading to results), object permanence (objects exist when not seen), classification (sorting items), spatial awareness (shapes and volume), and understanding life cycles, weather, and physical forces like sinking and floating. Engaging with nature, mixing ingredients in the kitchen, and playing with magnets or water are excellent ways to encourage these skills.
Key Early Science Concepts
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Cause and Effect: Infants learn that banging a rattle makes noise; preschoolers learn that mixing blue and yellow paint creates green.
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Object Permanence: Understanding that a toy hidden under a blanket still exists, a critical early cognitive science concept.
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Observation & Exploration: Children use their five senses to explore the physical world, noticing details like texture, temperature, and smell.
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Classification & Sorting: Grouping objects by size, color, shape, or type (e.g., separating blocks from toy cars).
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Physical Science (Force & Motion): Learning about push/pull, gravity, and speed by throwing, rolling, or stacking items.
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Sink or Float: Exploring density and buoyancy in water play.
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Life Science: Observing, nurturing, and understanding the needs of living things like plants and animals.
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Weather and Seasonal Changes: Noticing rain, sunshine, snow, and temperature changes.
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Spatial Awareness & Geometry: Understanding where their body is in space and recognizing 3D shapes.
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Prediction & Experimentation: Testing ideas, such as asking "Will this roll down the ramp?".
Head Start
Developmental Progression
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Infants (7-18 months): Actively explore, repeat actions to learn, and explore sensory properties.
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Toddlers (16-36 months): Begin simple experiments, show interest in nature, and start categorizing objects.
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Preschoolers (3-5 years): Use more complex inquiry, including asking "why" and "how," predicting outcomes, and measuring.
