Science and engineering practices sound complicated (and a bit intimidating!), but the reality is, even the youngest students can engage with these practices during early childhood science lessons.
Why early STEM education matters
STEM foundations in early childhood lay the framework for future success in upper elementary school and beyond. But early childhood teachers know better than anyone that classroom days are packed, and finding time for meaningful science instruction can be challenging.
However, early exposure to science, technology, engineering, and math helps young learners develop critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and curiosity about the world around them. It’s never too early for STEM, especially in grades K-2.
The role of science and engineering practices in K-2 learning
The National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) emphasizes the importance of exposure to science and engineering in early childhood. The science and engineering practices naturally help foster curiosity, inquiry, and exploration in the classroom while solidifying skills required for advanced content in grades 3-12.
How early STEM exposure supports long-term success
Research shows that early childhood students who are not exposed to STEM are more likely to fall behind. The American Educational Research Association found that 62% of kindergarteners with limited science exposure continued to struggle with science in 3rd grade, and 54% continued to struggle in 8th grade.
NGSS and science practices for young learners
The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and other state standards emphasize three distinct dimensions of learning science.
- Dimension 1: Science and Engineering Practices
- Dimension 2: Crosscutting Concepts
- Dimension 3: Disciplinary Core Ideas
These science and engineering practices are the behaviors scientists use to investigate and develop models and theories about the natural world and the practices engineers apply to design and build models and systems.
There are eight core science and engineering practices:
- Asking questions (for science) and defining problems (for engineering)
- Developing and using models
- Planning and carrying out investigations
- Analyzing and interpreting data
- Using mathematics and computational thinking
- Constructing explanations (for science) and designing solutions (for engineering)
- Engaging in argumentation from evidence
- Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information
Understanding NGSS for early childhood education
But what about NGSS for early learners–is it possible? Yes! K-2 STEM activities are a natural way to integrate science standards and practices into the early childhood classroom.
ExploreLearning Science4Us combines science with literacy and math-integrated experiences to introduce students to Inquiry, Physical Science, Life Science, and Earth & Space Science. 28 content-rich modules are aligned to NGSS and include thousands of online and offline activities that can be completed in as little as ten minutes, perfect for centers, small groups, or whole-group instruction.
Science practices for early childhood students
The science practices allow the youngest students to learn by doing as they experiment and discover. By making time for early childhood science, kids can be kids as they tap into their natural curiosity and wonder. What early childhood activities support the science practices for K-2 learners? Here are some examples.
- Encouraging observation and inquiry
- Developing questions and making predictions
- Engaging in hands-on investigations and experiments
- Using evidence to explain scientific ideas
- Communicating findings through words, drawings, and models
For example, students could explore the playground on a nature walk to find leaves of different textures and shapes. Next, they could engage in natural questioning and group discussion about the types of foliage they saw. To expand their thinking, students could create a hands-on Nature Bookmark and explain what they found on the playground while showing off their artistic creation.
Engineering practices for early childhood learners
All students can engage with the engineering practices, even in grades K-2! Get early childhood students excited about engineering with hands-on challenges that require them to build, solve, and test.
Students can engage with the engineering practices by:
- Understanding problems and brainstorming solutions
- Designing and building with everyday materials
- Testing and improving simple engineering projects
- Encouraging creativity and problem-solving skills
- Learning to work together as young engineers
Build a bridge using popsicle sticks, construct a marble roller coaster using paper towel rolls, or design a festive “Leprechaun Trap” for St. Patrick’s Day. The options are endless!
Bringing science and engineering to life in the K-2 classroom with Science4Us
Flexible and pre-made classroom tools help take the guesswork out of incorporating science and engineering practices into everyday lessons. With Science4Us, interactive science activities come to life with 1000s of developmentally appropriate materials, including videos, science games, poems, songs, digital notebooks, and more.
Science4Us was also designed with flexibility in mind. Teachers can incorporate five to ten minutes of content at the beginning of the day, before or after lunch, during indoor recess, or even right before dismissal. Bring the science and engineering practices to your classroom today with a free trial!