The Alpha Level Science - Term Paper Example

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If the Alpha Level Science curriculum focuses more on collaborative and active learning and emphasizes the emotional and social experiences of children rather than the visual stimulation by third parties (teacher and picture books), teachers will be directed to emphasize group activities, collaborative learning, critical thinking in both informal and formal settings and will encourage kindergarten students to apply science to the real world and as such gain a more hands-on educational experience.

In its Benchmark for Science Literacy, the American Association for the Advancement of Science (1993) recommended that children should be involved in an active way in learning about the world from a scientific perspective and this education should begin from the very first day they attend school. In this regard, young students need to acquire an incentive for making inquiries about science and nature, to look for explanations, collect, count, measure things, observe qualitatively, organize observations and things, discuss and explore. These kinds of experiences will help young students to form a connection to science and to enjoy science education. This will help to heighten awareness of the scientific world as they grow older and move up in school.

In teaching science to all students regardless of age, it is also important to understand that science contains a system or body of knowledge representing existing knowledge and an understanding of the natural process that is constantly being expanded, revised and “refined”....
y, the American Association for the Advancement of Science (1993) recommended that children should be involved in an active way in learning about the world from a scientific perspective and this education should begin from the very first day they attend school. In this regard, young students need to acquire an incentive for making inquiries about science and nature, to look for explanations, collect, count, measure things, observe qualitatively, organize observations and things, discuss and explore. These kinds of experiences will help young students to form a connection to science and to enjoy science education. This will help to heighten awareness of the scientific world as they grow older and move up in school (Saracho & Spodek, 2008). In teaching science to all students regardless of age, it is also important to understand that science contains a system or body of knowledge representing existing knowledge and an understanding of the natural process that is constantly being expanded, revised and “refined” (Committee on Science Learning Kindergarten Through Eighth Grade, 2007, p. 26). In other words, science education necessarily involves teaching and learning techniques informed by pragmatism and progressivism. This study analyses the Alpha Level Science curriculum for early learners and identifies how this curriculum can be improved to meet the challenges and goals of science education through the implementation of content consistent with pragmatism and progressivism ideas. The Alpha Level Science Curriculum The Alpha Level Science curriculum is broken into nine themed units each complete with lessons built around one of the particular themes. Each unit offers lessons which repeat in general order of presentation. The specifics of each lesson type are examined ...Download file to see next pagesRead More