CHLD 123: Science Experiences for Children

Citrus College Course Outline of Record

Citrus College Course Outline of Record
Heading Value
Effective Term: Fall 2019
Credits: 2
Total Contact Hours: 36
Lecture Hours : 36
Lab Hours: 0
Hours Arranged: 0
Outside of Class Hours: 72
Strongly Recommended: ENGL 101.
Transferable to CSU: Yes
Transferable to UC: No
Grading Method: Standard Letter

Catalog Course Description

This course focuses on planning and implementing science experiences to engage preschool and early school-age children. Students will analyze and plan developmentally appropriate curriculum that supports children's understanding of life, earth and physical science concepts. This course provides exposure to formal, informal and incidental science activities and direct use of science materials to engage children's learning. Students will analyze the teacher's role in incorporating science concepts within the total program for children. 36 lecture hours.

Course Objectives

  • explain sciencing vs. science
  • define and describe basic processes and topics to be used in planning and implementing developmentally appropriate early childhood education science activities
  • explain and assess the teacher's role in engaging children in developmentally appropriate science activities in early childhood education classrooms
  • plan, implement and evaluate developmentally appropriate science experiences for young children

Major Course Content

  1. The Process of Science
    1. Sciencing versus science
    2. Types of sciencing experiences
    3. Formal, informal and incidental science
  2. Scientific Concepts
    1. Scientific method
    2. Life, earth, physical science
  3. Developmentally Appropriate Practice and Considerations
    1. Science experiences for preschool age children
    2. Science experiences for early school-age children
    3. Diverse learning styles
  4. Developmentally Appropriate Curriculum Lesson Planning
    1. Curriculum/lesson planning for Early Childhood Education activities and experiences                       
    2. The teacher's role in promoting children's problem solving and critical thinking skills
    3. Project approach
    4. The Early Childhood Education Science Center             
  5. Integrating Science Across the Curriculum                                    
    1. Language and Literacy
    2. Creative Thinking and Art
    3. Math
    4. Outdoor experiences 
  6. Parent Education
    1. Informing parents about the Early Childhood Education Science program
    2. Informing parents about developmentally appropriate science experiences
    3. Parents sharing science experiences
    4. Home-School connections

Suggested Reading Other Than Required Textbook

Preschool Pathways to Science: Facilitating Scientific Ways of Thinking, Talking, Doing and Understanding by Gelman, R. & Brenneman, K. & G. MacDonald, & M. Roman.

Examples of Required Writing Assignments

1) Develop a resource binder of developmentally appropriate activity lesson plans and samples for use in the early childhood education classroom setting. 2) Observe and provide a written report about early childhood education science curriculum and evaluate for developmental appropriateness. 3) Observe and provide a written report about implementation of science experiences and then evaluate for effective strategies and child engagement

Examples of Outside Assignments

1) Survey science resources including supplies and materials available to early childhood educators and write an analysis of findings/conclusions 2) Evaluate in writing science activities and environments in early childhood education settings 3) Provide written lesson plans of Developmentally Appropriate science curriculum activities for young children

Instruction Type(s)

Lecture