Science Talks...

 

Three-to five-year-olds have been exploring water all their lives, whether in the bath, at the sink, in the rain, or on the beach.  Ideally they have had regular opportunities to explore at the water table in the classroom too.  This open exploration of water builds on children's prior experiences by giving them plenty of time to explore water with materials selected to highlight water's movement and its ability to take the shape of its container.  In addition, open exploration introduces children to science talks with the whole class, which continue throughout open and focused explorations.  Science talks give children opportunities to reflect on their observations, experiences, questions, and theories, and they create a group sense of shared purpose and excitement.

During our morning circle we invited the children to fill up little cups of water , select an object in the classroom, and place it in the cup of water.   Then we asked them the following questions:
-What happens to water when you put it in the freezer?  Micah -"It freezes."
-Does water move when it's frozen?  Noah-"No it becomes hard."
-Will the water or toys change color?  Noah-"Yes it will turn brown because when my Mom put bananas in the freezer they turned brown." 
-How how does water freeze?  Adam- "Like this!"  Adam put his arms out to the side of his body and became still...Frozen!

Following our science talk a few children walked down to the Community Room kitchen and placed the small cups of water in the freezer.
Stay tuned for an update on our observations and explorations tomorrow morning!