Early Learning Standards- Science
Physical Science
Physical science is about the physical properties of materials and objects. Through exploration of materials, children learn about weight, shape, size, color, and temperature. They explore how things move and change. When children make a block ramp to race cars, look through a kaleidoscope, or pick up objects with magnets, they are learning about the physical properties of objects.
Life Science
Life science is about living things. You are teaching life science when you ask children to care for plants and animals in a classroom. Key ideas emerge from exploring the immediate environment. Life science also includes knowledge about ones's body and how to keep healthy.
Earth and the Environment
The component of science called earth and the environment is about the world of nature. In preschool, earth and the environment are about natural settings that children can experience directly. The goal is for children to understand those settings, learn key ideas, and develop respect for their natural surroundings.
What You Can Do at Home
Young children are curious and love to investigate. You don't need to be an expert to help your child learn about science. Science is all around us--from making bubbles in the bathtub to boiling water on the stove. Your enthusiasm and positive attitude about science will be contagious. Get in the habit of wondering out loud ( "I wonder how that ant can carry that big piece of food." "I wonder why your shadow is sometimes small and sometimes big.").
Check out this great website:
http://www.sciencefun.org/kidszone/experiments/