Science
Young children are naturally curious about the world around them. They are keen observers. They ask questions about how things work. They initiate their own experiments to determine how they can make things work differently.
At Sunshine Academy, we build on children’s natural curiosity by introducing them to a broad range of materials with different colors, textures, shapes, smells, and sounds and helping them learn to observe, describe and experience them. As the children gain experience, we help them compare, predict, test and revisit predictions. We emphasize life sciences (gardening, farm and zoo animals, fish and marine life, insects), earth science (weather, seasons, water), and engineering (blocks, lenses and light). In addition to our class materials, we use our aquarium and outdoor classroom for our science curriculum.
Infants & Toddlers
LEARNING EXPECTATIONS | EXAMPLE ACTIVITY |
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Explore a variety of materials of different sizes, shapes, textures, smells |
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Use all five senses to observe materials and objects |
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Identify and use simple tools for observation |
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Design simple experiments to test ideas |
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Develop an appreciation for the natural world |
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Learn about the earth and weather |
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Preschool & Pre-K
LEARNING EXPECTATIONS | EXAMPLE ACTIVITY |
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Gain an introduction to scientific observation |
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Learn to use descriptive and comparative words to discuss the properties of objects and their relationships |
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Identify and use simple tools for observation |
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Learn to use surveys, maps and charts to record observations and comparisons |
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Learn to use estimation in meaningful ways |
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Develop an appreciation for the natural world |
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Learn about the earth and space |
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