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Investigating Mathematics, Science and Technology in Early Childhood

Amy MacDonald, John Rafferty

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ISBN:
9780195529906
Published:
14 Jul 2015
Availability:
Print on demand

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

Dr Amy MacDonald is a Lecturer in Early Childhood Studies, Charles Sturt University. She is an internationally recognised researcher with Charles Sturt Universitys Research Institute for Professional Practice, Learning and Education (RIPPLE). She has published a large number of books, book chapters, journal articles and conference papers in the areas of mathematics education, early childhood education, and educational transitions. Amy has received several awards for her work, including the Mathematics Education Research Group of Australasia Early Career Award, the New South Wales Institute for Educational Research Beth Southwell Research Award, and the Charles Sturt University Outstanding Thesis Prize for her PhD. Amy teaches mathematics, science and technology in Charles Sturt Universitys Bachelor of Education (Birth to Five Years) course. Dr John Rafferty is a Lecturer in Science Education, Charles Sturt University. His teaching is directed toward science education for sustainability development and community engagement. A substantial body of his research is directed towards institutional and educational responses to climate change and the role of science education in future environments. John works on projects and initiatives concerning science education outreach programs, teachers environmental attitudes, and educational responses to issues around sustainability.

Read a sample chapter from Investigating Mathematics, Science and Technology in Early Childhood: