Warren Early Childhood Center

Science Curriculum
2016-2017
The exploration of the natural world is the stuff of childhood. Science, when viewed as a
process of constructing understanding and developing ideas, is a natural focus of an early
childhood program. As scholars are given opportunities to engage in inquiry and phenomena,
they develop many cognitive skills. It is also the context in which children can develop and
practice many basic skills of literacy and mathematics. Finally, Science is a collaborative
endeavor in which working together and discussing ideas are central to the practice. Worth,
2010
Topic

Indiana Foundations Indicators

Time Frame

Science Foundation 3
Life Science

SC 3.1- Demonstrate awareness of life

3 Year Olds Identify the correct names for adult and
baby animals
Compare attributes of living organisms
4 Year Olds Differentiate animals from plants
Discriminate between living organisms
and non-living objects
Ask questions and conduct
investigations to understand life science
Identify and describe the function of
the body parts.

August/September

Science Foundation 1
Physical Science

SC 1.1- Demonstrate the ability to explore objects in

the physical world
3 Year Olds Use senses to learn about concepts of
weight, motion, and force
Ask questions about physical
properties and changes in the physical world
4 Year Olds Use senses to describe concepts of
weight, motion, and force
Ask questions and draw conclusions
about physical properties and the physical
world

October/
November

Science Foundation 1
Physical Science

SC 1.2- Demonstrate Awareness of the physical

properties of objects
3 Year Olds Identify materials that make up objects
Investigate and describe observable
properties of objects
Match objects by physical attributes
4 Year Olds Identify materials that make up objects
Use evidence from investigations to

December/Januar
y

describe observable properties of objects

Sort objects into categories based on
physical attributes and explain reasoning
Science Foundation 2
Earth and Space
Science

SC 2.1- Recognize the characteristics of Earth and Sky

3 Year Olds Notice the shadows of other objects
Describe different objects in the sky
Describe various earth materials
4 Year Olds Describe how shadows change
throughout the day
Describe typical day and night
activities
Classify various earth materials
Describe how the Earths surface is
made up of different materials

February

Science Foundation 2
Earth and Space
Science

SC 2.2- Recognize seasonal and weather related

changes
3 Year Olds Communicate awareness of seasonal
changes
Describe weather conditions using
correct terminology
4 Year Olds Communicate awareness of seasonal
changes
Describe how weather changes

March/April

Science Foundation 4
Engineering

SC 4.1- Demonstrate engineering design skills

3 Year Olds Identify a problem or need and create
a plan to solve
Use classroom objects that function as
a simple machines to enhance play
4 Year Olds Select materials and implement a
designated plan
Evaluate and communicate solution
outcomes
Use classroom objects to create simple
machines to enhance play
SC 5.1- Demonstrate scientific curiosity
3 Year Olds Observe with a focus on details
Use simple tools to extend
investigations
Identify self and/or own actions as
scientific
4 Year Olds Discuss ways that people can affect
the environment in positive and negative ways
Independently use simple tools to
conduct an investigation to increase

Science Foundation 5
Scientific Inquiry and
Method

May

understanding
Engage in a scientific experiment with
peers
Communicate results of an
investigation