Investigating Mathematics, Science and Technology in Early Childhood explores the ways in which young children develop mathematics, science and technology understandings through everyday play and investigation.
Taking a holistic approach, the book addresses key areas of knowledge within mathematics, science and technology in the early years’ contexts and looks at how they can be integrated to create meaningful learning experiences.
It provides clear explanations and examples of mathematical, scientific and technological concepts and processes to help pre-service educators build up their own content knowledge to confidently prepare for practice in early years learning environments.
KEY FEATURES
- Focuses on the birth to eight, with particular attention paid to 0 – 3 ages
- Learning stories with practical examples and anecdotes from early childhood educators demonstrate how children investigate concepts within mathematics, science and technology learning
- Investigation boxes provide examples of children’s investigations of mathematics, science and technology and educator’s interpretations of these, to help build content knowledge
- Critical reflective questions throughout encourage readers to consider key issues, interpret examples and reflect upon their own experiences.
1. Holistic Approaches to Mathematics, Science and Technology Education
Amy MacDonald (with John Rafferty)
Chapter overview
Learning objectives
Introduction
The everydayness of mathematics, science and technology
Knowing the parts to understand the whole
The place of mathematics, science and technology in early years curricula
Positioning the child in mathematics, science and technology education
Playful pedagogies in mathematics, science and technology education
Chapter summary
For further discussion
Further reading
2. Powerful Processes
Amy MacDonald (with John Rafferty)
Chapter overview
Learning objectives
Introduction
The relationship between concepts and processes
Powerful processes in mathematics, science and technology
The importance of questioning in mathematics, science and technology
Developing dispositions for mathematical, scientific and technological learning
Chapter summary
For further discussion
Further reading
3 . Assessment and Planning
Amy MacDonald (with John Rafferty)
Chapter overview
Learning objectives
Introduction
The relationship between assessment and planning
Assessing learning in mathematics, science and technology education
Planning for play and investigation
Problem solving in mathematics, science and technology
Using learning stories to assess and plan for mathematics, science and technology
Chapter summary
For further discussion
Further reading
4. Technological Tools, ICTs and Digital Play
Amy MacDonald
Chapter overview
Learning objectives
Introduction
Technology in context
Developing understandings of technology
Chapter summary
For further discussion
Further reading
5. Patterns
Amy MacDonald
Chapter overview
Learning objectives
Introduction
Patterns in context
Developing understandings of pattern
Chapter summary
For further discussion
Further reading
6. Space
Amy MacDonald
Chapter overview
Learning objectives
Introduction
Space in context
Developing understandings of space
Chapter summary
For further discussion
Further reading
7. Measurement
Amy MacDonald (with John Rafferty)
Chapter overview
Learning objectives
Introduction
Measurement in context
Developing understandings of measurement
Chapter summary
For further discussion
Further reading
8. Number
Amy MacDonald
Chapter overview
Learning objectives
Introduction
Number in context
Developing understandings of number
Chapter summary
For further discussion
Further reading
9. Data
Amy MacDonald
Chapter overview
Learning objectives
Introduction
Data in context
Developing understandings of data
Chapter summary
For further discussion
Further reading
10. Sustainability
Amy MacDonald (with John Rafferty)
Chapter overview
Learning objectives
Introduction
Sustainability in context
Developing understandings of sustainability
Chapter summary
For further discussion
Further reading
11. Earth Science
Amy MacDonald
Chapter overview
Learning objectives
Introduction
Earth science in context
Developing understandings of Earth science
Chapter summary
For further discussion
Further reading
12. Biological Science
Amy MacDonald
Chapter overview
Learning objectives
Introduction
Biological science in context
Developing understandings of biological science
Chapter summary
For further discussion
Further reading
13. Physical Science
Amy MacDonald
Chapter overview
Learning objectives
Introduction
Physical science in context
Developing understandings of physical science
Chapter summary
For further discussion
Further reading
14. Chemical Science
Amy MacDonald
Chapter overview
Learning objectives
Introduction
Chemical science in context
Developing understandings of chemical science
Chapter summary
For further discussion
Further reading
15. Bringing It All Together
Amy MacDonald
Chapter overview
Investigations matrix
Glossary
Bibliography
Index
Amy MacDonald: Lecturer, School of Education, Charles Sturt University
John Rafferty: Lecturer, School of Environmental Sciences, Charles Sturt University
