Investigating mathematics, science and technology in early childhood

Description

Investigating Mathematics, Science and Technology in Early Childhood introduces pre-service teachers to the ways in which young children develop mathematics, science and technology understandings through everyday play and investigation. This integrated text focuses on observing, documenting and communicating young childrens mathematics, science and technology learning in educative settings ranging from birth to eight years of age. It covers mathematics, science and technology in a range of early childhood contexts, including home, playgroup, childcare, preschool, and school. Relevant case examples, with anecdotes from children, families and practitioners, are used appropriately to focus on the use of learning stories to illustrate childrens investigations of mathematics, science and technology concepts. The text provides explanations and examples of mathematics, science and technology concepts in order to build content knowledge for pre-service students. In this way early childhood educators may develop appropriate language for explaining mathematics, science and technology concepts and processes so that they are able to articulate childrens understandings of these areas to families and other educators Content: 1. Holistic Approaches to Mathematics, Science and Technology EducationAmy 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 objectivesIntroduction 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 technologyChapter 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 scienceChapter summary For further discussion Further reading 12. Biological Science Amy MacDonald Chapter overview Learning objectives Introduction Biological science in context Developing understandings of biological scienceChapter summary For further discussion Further reading 13. Physical Science Amy MacDonald Chapter overview Learning objectives Introduction Physical science in context Developing understandings of physical scienceChapter summary For further discussion Further reading 14. Chemical Science Amy MacDonald Chapter overview Learning objectives Introduction Chemical science in context Developing understandings of chemical scienceChapter summary For further discussion Further reading 15. Bringing It All Together Amy MacDonald Chapter overview Investigations matrix GlossaryBibliographyIndex