Doing Science Every Day

Science is far more than a set of concepts about properties, pushes and pulls and living things. It is a dynamic, creative and social process called inquiry. Inquiry includes wondering and asking questions, exploring and observing, talking about and representing findings and generating and sharing ideas. Young children learn science by actively doing it — and that’s why science and kids are a natural fit!

Two-year-olds wonder about everything. They love to investigate new and unfamiliar objects. They explore the world using their whole bodies and all of their senses, and they are persistent about sticking with something until they figure it out. They begin to make comparisons and look for patterns: dogs and cats are both animals; balls and blocks are both toys. They can also begin to match and sort objects by color, size and shape — an early science skill.

Opportunities for two-year-olds to do and learn science are everywhere, from the time they wake up in the morning until they go to bed at night. But they need your support to take advantage of these opportunities. Remember, nobody knows your child like you do. That makes you the best person in the world to help your child do science every day!