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!

Five-year-olds like to formulate questions about how the world works and, with support, they can carry out simple investigations, describe their findings and generate ideas about how and why. They are also ready to record and represent information through drawing and charting. They still gain most of their information from direct exploration, but they can also learn from books, videos and other people. Five-year-olds can use tools — such as hand lenses, droppers and measuring cups. Many of children’s science explorations at this age also incorporate engineering — a related discipline. Doing science is about asking questions and investigating to find answers, and engineering is about identifying problems and investigating to find solutions.

Opportunities for five-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!