Early Childhood Pre K-3: Science of Everyday Life

Prepares students to apply STEM content, most relevant for working with children, birth-grade 3. Examines concepts related to Life Science, Physical Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Sustainability. Examines how play contributes to children's construction of STEM knowledge and why Environmental Education should begin in Early Childhood. Prerequisites: EDEC 1630, EDEL 1240, EDEC 1070, or Instructor permission.

Prereqs enforced by the system: EDEC 1630 or EDEL 1240 or EDEC 1070 or instructor permission; All students welcome.

The Science of Everyday Life is designed to give undergraduate students the knowledge and skills necessary in developing a scientific mind. You will investigate your beliefs about the natural world, and the formation of your science identity. You will demonstrate an understanding of the natural world through observation, hypothesis generation, experimentation and analysis as you build your scientific literacy skills. You will examine concepts in life science, physical science, earth and space science, environmental justice, sustainability, engineering, and technology. You will make informed judgments about information related to the natural world as you seek to understand everyday phenomena and science concepts. You will investigate how the role of the teacher can support and enhance children’s knowledge of complex phenomena, science practices, crosscutting concepts, and disciplinary core ideas through scientific inquiry. You will learn to recognize and extend children’s interest in and knowledge of science across each discipline, thereby supporting children’s development of science literacy as more complex ideas are introduced. This foundation is critical for cultivating scientific literacy in early childhood and beyond. You will learn how to support children in acquiring foundational vocabulary, encourage modeling, investigations and experiments, and create engaging environments where children can build upon their questions, observations, and conjectures about the natural world. As an early childhood educator you will be asked to utilize the Vermont Early Learning Standards (VELS), the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), and the NAEYC Professional Standards to guide student learning about the natural world through the science of everyday life.

Students should come prepared, on time and plan to attend class regularly. Your assignments should be completed and posted by the date and time specified. You should participate to the greatest extent possible during each class. Your ideas, questions, observations, and collaboration with peers will demonstrate your commitment as a learner and practitioner.

Students will be expected to keep a detailed science notebook, write five reflection papers, participate in science discussions and stations, complete a sustainability and environmental justice presentation, complete a children's picture book video project and a content Continuum final project.