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(Unit 2) Topic 6: Simple Science

2 Clock Hours of Early Childhood Education

Science for Infants

​Topic 6 Page 4

Infants are natural scientists! ​

​Yes, you read that correctly. Most people consider science to be an advanced study set which requires higher methods of analyzing, observing and recording. While these things are necessary for scientific study, the very basis of scientific study is in exploration, curiosity and discovery. Infants are constantly exploring, observing, and discovering the world around them! Science is in the very nature of an infant’s development and is easily supported by encouraging their discoveries and curiosities each and every day. 

Infants are exposed to science when they are playing peek-a-boo, rolling a ball, feeling a new sensory experience, and reaching for a toy or toes. ​ 

These experiences include learning about object permanence, cause and effect, the five senses, and spatial awareness, respectively. These seemingly common infantile experiences are actually scientific research in progress.

Have you ever helped an infant roll a ball across the floor? Did you support their reactions to the ball’s movement? Did you further their play by rolling the ball a new way, or urging them to crawl or walk to the ball? Caregivers and educators interact with infants in these ways almost constantly. They support the infant in a simplified scientific process, whether they are aware of it or not. ​​

Nature Sensory Board

http://www.lessons4learners.com/nature-sensory-board-mi.html

How Can You Support Science for Infants?

Infants do most of their scientific discovery and exploration by exploring the world with their five senses.

​Sensory experiences are not just a trending topic in early childhood, but instead are important for development and learning basic scientific information. Most infant programs have a plethora of sensory activities and toys for infants to explore, and there is good reason for this. Include all five senses when you can.

Give infants a safe place to explore
This refers to indoor and outdoor space. Provide plenty of supervision in a safe and controlled area for infants to explore the toys, environment, and other children in the space.

​Allow plenty of time
​​Giving infants five minutes of exploratory play may not be reasonable. Be sure to give them ample time to explore their environment and discover new things. It may take quite a while for some infants to be comfortable enough to explore their surroundings, so being patient is also important.

​Accept the mess
​​Scientific discoveries can be messy so be prepared to accept the mess and focus on the learning as opposed to the clean-up. 

​Build a foundation of trust
​​Infants react best when exploring new things with a trusted and caring adult. Build a foundation of trust for the infants in your care so they feel safe when exploring new concepts. Even young infants will look to their caregivers for reassurance and security.

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