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Science and Nature

Science and Nature – Pūtaiao. When children are engaged in learning about science and nature, they are also learning strategies for active exploration, thinking and reasoning and develop working theories for making sense of the natural, social, physical and material worlds.

Science and nature can help children to discover how nature works, learn the correct names for animals, plants and nature, care for the well-being of others and the environment, and to learn to question and investigate. You can support children in their exploration by creating an environment that promotes observation, exploration and explanation, asking open ended questions such as “What do you think might happen?” or “What do you see happening?”, supporting children to touch, taste, listen, see and smell the items, and encouraging them to come up with their own explanations.

At home, you can provide resources for children to touch, feel and smell by displaying a range of items – such as non-poisonous herbs and vegetables, stones, and feathers - on a low table. You can enhance this experience by adding a magnifying glass, magnets and books on science and the natural world. You might also go on a nature treasure hunt to gather additional items for your science table. Learning about science also involves activities such as preparing and cooking food, caring for plants, playing with water and ice, recycling, or even taking apart old equipment to see how things work inside.

For more science and activity ideas, visit Nurtured at Home’s facebook page.