Children are naturally curious about the
world and how it works, and science learning for young children begins with
wondering and asking questions. At the beginning of each
The Cat in
the Hat Knows a Lot About That!TM adventure, Sally or Nick
poses a question about the natural world. Although the Cat knows a lot of
things, he doesn't know everything and he's also curious to learn more.
It's this insatiable curiosity that sparks the friends' adventures in the
Cat's one-of-a-kind contraption, the Thinga-ma-jigger.
Learning Goals
The learning goals of The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That!TM
programs and resources are designed to support young children's science
learning by:
- Building on and supporting children's curiosity about the natural
world
- Introducing children to core science concepts
- Engaging children in the process of science inquiry
- Providing opportunities for children to learn, use, and practice inquiry
skills
- Modeling what it means to think and act like a scientist
- Inviting children to engage in science practices including discourse
and collaboration
- Providing a foundation on which later science learning will build
The PBS Parents, PBS Teachers, and PBS KIDS websites provide young children
with opportunities to explore the science ideas introduced in
The
Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That!TM in the contexts
of their own homes, neighborhoods, and schools. Children are also encouraged
to visit their local libraries, science museums, aquariums, parks, and
zoos to continue their science explorations. Direct exploration and observation,
supported by knowledgeable and interested adults, are central components
of children's science inquiry.
Resources for Families
Family resources for the series promote young children's science inquiry
and learning by building on the series and its learning goals. The resources
help families engage children in science explorations and investigations
in the context of their everyday routines and activities.
- Activities offer parents hands-on learning
experiences to extend their children's learning from The Cat
in the Hat Knows a Lot About That!TM. Each activity
includes videoclips, recommended books, related games, and other tools
to encourage children to explore science concepts in the contexts of
their own homes and neighborhoods.
- The Explorer's Guide helps families
understand what doing science means for young children and provides
tips for using the programs and activities to facilitate children's
science learning.
- Viewing Tips provide suggestions to
families for using the programs to explore science ideas and enrich
children's science experiences.
These resources support a new community of science explorers by helping
parents:
- Get excited about doing and learning science with their children.
- Connect the science concepts introduced by the Cat in the Hat and
his friends to related explorations and activities in the indoor and
outdoor world.
- Actively engage children in science inquiry and support their use
of science inquiry skills.
- Encourage science learning experiences in everyday routines and in
backyards, playgrounds, parks, and other places children go with their
families.
- Utilize community resources such as science museums, libraries, aquariums,
and zoos in ways that support children's science learning and inquiry.
- Take advantage of nationwide events, such as Read Across America,
that will involve children in learning about and doing science.
