A Head Start on Science: Encouraging a Sense of Wonder : Grades PreK - 2 (PB208X)
2008 Winner of the Distinguished Achievement Award from the Association of Educational Publishers. --Association of Educational PublishersEncouraging a Sense of Wonder.    I found this book to be a great resource for early childhood education teachers. The introduction was very informative and gave an excellent overview of what to consider when teaching young children science. I especially liked the part of the introduction that explained the role of questioning and how to use questions effectively throughout each activity. The author provides 89 well-organized hands-on, inquiry-based activities within 7 different science contents: senses, weather, physical science, critters, water and water mixtures, seeds, and nature walks. I also liked how each of the activities allowed for children to have science connections not only in the classroom, but also outside of the classroom. Each activity has a family science connection that allows the family to be involved with their children and to understand what their children are learning in science within the classroom. The author uses the assessment outcomes and possible indicators component to guide teachers in assessing student's progress and to relate their progress to the 8 general domains within the 'Head Start Child Outcomes Framework'. This book allows educators of young children to provide a discovery-focused, inquiry-based learning environment for all children ages 3-7. All the activities are student-centered and teacher guided to provide a fun, multi-sensory approach to learning science. --Reviewed by: Gilbert Lori (Enola, PA) on June 23, 2009A good resource for pre-service teachers.    I teach pre-service educators on the undergraduate level. This book is a great source as it is developmentally appropriate and well organized. I especially like the way it includes the science indicators and a rubric for assessment for each. --Reviewed by: Laura Anderson (Cleveland, TN) on July 19, 2008