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     Young children are naturally curious explorers who are eager to discover information about the world around them. Children learn scientific concepts through opportunities to actively explore observe and investigate materials and ideas, using their senses. These experiences provide the foundation for abstract and scientific thought. Programs support scientific learning by asking questions, conducting experiments, and helping children gather data and make conclusions. Science concepts are encompassed throughout the key areas of early learning; for example, children use pretend play to explore and manipulate materials, creative arts to discover a variety of ways to express their ideas, and literacy and language arts to research answers to questions.

  • Understands the difference between Living and Non-Living things and the life cycles of various organisms.
  • Understands the characteristics of earth and sky (i.e.-seasons, weather, light, shadows, sun, moon, stars).
  • Understands the properties of matter (i.e.-hard, soft, float, sink, solid, liquid, gas).
  • Uses the five senses to observe, explore, and experiment with scientific phenomena (hands-on science).
  • Uses simple tools (eye droppers, magnifying glasses) to explore and gather information.
  • Demonstrates an understanding of science by collecting, describing, and recording information (drawing and graphing).

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 Photograph #1
The children are using simple tools like magnifying glasses to look at "dinosaur bones" in the sand table.
The children are using simple tools like magnifying glasses to look at 'dinosaur bones' in the sand table.

Photograph #2
Children are using all of their senses to observe the Biology Department's Iguana.
Children are using all of their senses to observe the Biology

Photograph #3 
Jacob is exploring the properties of buoyancy and predicting outcomes. Jacob is exploring the properties of buoyancy and predicting outcomes

Photograph #4
Working together, children plant new trees at the Outdoor Lab.
Working together, children plant new trees at the Outdoor

Photograph #5
With water, eyedroppers, and magnifying glasses, children observe and collect data about earthworms.
With water, eyedroppers, and magnifying glasses, children observe and

The Westminster College Preschool Lab admits students of any race, color, religion, gender, and national or ethnic origin.
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