There's a Mad, Mad Scientist in Preschool

Do experiments fascinate your preschooler? Tips for nurturing your child’s inner mad scientist.

• Begins to describe objects in terms of materials they are made of (may ask for a red plastic cup). Shows some understanding of cause-effect relationships (how adding water changes the consistency of dirt).   
• Plays with water, noticing the way it flows and fills a container.
• Understands that inanimate objects don't move on their own.

• Identifies the basic characteristics of plants and animals. Thinks about the external parts of the human body and what each does (mouth is for eating, ears are for hearing).
• Is becoming aware that living things have needs. May attribute his or her own needs to other animals (may say that a dog needs a mommy, a bed or pillow).

• Notices weather conditions, and associates these conditions with personal activities ("It's raining, so I can't go outside and play."). Knows words for sun, moon, star and clouds.
• Understands basic concepts of night and day.

How You Can Help

When done right, preschool science can be exciting and meaningful. Preschoolers learn best by experimenting, so choose activities that are hands-on and require little explanation. Here’s some preschool activities worth trying:

• Cause and Effect – Melt ice in the sun or freeze ice by filling up ice trays. Plant a seed and watch a flower grow over time. Here’s a craft and planting project to try at home. http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/724207/planting_seeds_a_preschool_science.html?cat=25
• Structure and Function – Teach how the shape of our teeth allows us to eat.
• Variation and Classification – The idea that different living things have distinct features like birds have feathers.

Nurture your child’s natural sense of adventure and curiosity with science and the results will surely be amazing.

Want to create a science lab in your home? Education.com tells you how. http://www.education.com/activity/article/science-center/