Science Activities A to Z

Science Activities A to Z gives teachers and parents a detailed lesson plan format of process-oriented science activities for young children ages one and up. The easy-to-understand, hands-on activities promote the development of problem solving and the ability to make predictions. Each section helps teachers and parents in finding science activities for a theme-based curriculum, to incorporate a letter of the week, or to provide a spur-of-the-moment filler idea. Many activity choices are given for each targeted alphabet letter. The "Helpful Hints" section shares techniques for carrying out the activities-all based on the authors many years experience working with young children.

Process-oriented, age-appropriate science activities make this guide a must-have in all settings where children are learning and developing. Each section helps teachers and parents in finding science activities for a theme-based curriculum, for spur-of-the-moment activities and for letter- of-the-week plans. Supply lists and a sample family letter encouraging collection of easy-to-acquire items help get the science center up and running. And, the theme-specific index and concept-specific indexes make it easy to plan activities to accompany study units.

Joanne Matricardi is an early childhood instructor and preschool director with a B.A. in psychology and social work, an M.Ed. in early childhood education and an Ed.S. in curriculum and instruction. She has 25 years? experience teaching young children. She has been recognized as 2000 Teacher of the Year at Maxwell High School and as part of Teachers as Leaders in 1999 in the Gwinnett County Public School System.

Jeanne McLarty is a preschool teacher with 16 years of teaching experience and five years? experience as a preschool director. She is a member of numerous associations dedicated to childhood education, including the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).