Preschool Science: Emerging Best Practices in Increasing Young Children’s Access to Science

Session Type: Symposium

Abstract

Five nationally renowned science centers – Carnegie Science Center, Delaware Museum of Natural History, The Franklin Institute, Kentucky Science Center, and Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum – received grants from PNC Grow Up Great to develop and implement science interventions in preschool classrooms. Each science center partnered with local preschools to design age-appropriate science activities for children, as well as professional development for preschool teachers to help them deliver the interventions. The centers also engaged children’s families in science experiences through visits to the centers and take-home activities. An independent evaluation was conducted that determined that the interventions were effective in a) changing teachers’ thinking about science and their classroom practices and b) increasing the access of science experiences to families.

Sub Unit

• SIG-Early Education and Child Development

Chair

• Barbara Wasik, Temple University

Papers

• Carnegie Science Center and Grow Up Great Science - Wendy Brenneman, Carnegie Science Center

• Delaware Museum of Natural History and Grow Up Great Science - Mariah Romaninsky, Delaware Museum of Natural History

• The Franklin Institute and Grow Up Great Science - Susan Holmes, Franklin Institute

• Kentucky Science Center and Grow Up Great - Joanna Haas, Kentucky Science Center; Felicia Alfred, Kentucky Science Center

• Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum and Grow Up Great Science in Pre-K - Ann Caspari, Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum

Discussant

• Susan Chase, Open Minds