Physical Science
Everyday concepts about physical science are acquired as children do such things as paint in the art center, build with magnetic translucent tiles on the light table, see their shadows while running outdoors, or try to push a heavy truck up a wooden ramp in the block center. As they manipulate and observe everyday objects, they learn about natural forces such as gravity, magnetism, light, and speed. Sensory play (Chapter 7) allows children to exert force on pliable materials, develop conservation in water play, and compare stimuli such as the difference between the way an onion and a flower smells.
Physical science inquiries appropriate for young children focus on explorations, building models, and using simple machines (Cur, 2011). Children investigate phenomena that they can reproduce on their own, allow for variations, are observable, and produce immediate results (Devries, Zan, Hidelbrandt, Edmiaston, & Sales, 2002). The sections below provide suggestions for topics that are both interesting and appropriate for young children about:
- Light/shadow
- Color
- Magnetism
- Solids, liquids, and gases
- Weight, force, and motion
- Static electricity