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Nigeria's free digital learning hub. Videos, lecture notes, practice questions and leaderboards aligned with CCMAS, NBTE, NCCE, WAEC, NECO, IJMB and JAMB curricula.
Early Childhood Education · 300 Level
This is the complete lecture note for EEC 308 Science in early childhood education, prepared for Early Childhood Education students at 300 Level. You can read it online below, open it in the full viewer, or download the PDF for offline study. It pairs with the course's video lectures, so you can read and watch together.
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS 1. Course code EEC 308 2. Course title: Science in early childhood 3. Course credit load: (2 Units C: LH 30) 4. List of Series: 1. Foundations of Science in Early Childhood Education 2. Teaching Methods and Concept Development 3. Exploring Basic Scientific Concepts: Living, Non-Living, Sky, and Space 4. Heat, Light, and Hands-On Science Activities 5. Movement Education: Gymnasium, Games, and Teaching Approaches Series 1: Foundations of Science in Early Childhood Education based on your course framework: Part 1: Understanding Science in Early Childhood Education • Definition of science • Nature of science in early childhood learning Part 2: Importance of Science in Early Childhood Development • Role of science in cognitive growth • Contribution to curiosity and exploration • Relevance to everyday experiences Part 3: Methods of Introducing Science Concepts • Storytelling and guided discussion • Play-based learning approaches • Observation and questioning techniques Part 4: Building Scientific Foundations through Activities • Concept maps for young learners • Hands-on experiments and demonstrations
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS • Integration with other learning areas Series Introduction Background Children are naturally curious, often asking questions about the world around them. Early childhood education provides the perfect opportunity to nurture this curiosity by introducing science in ways that are simple, engaging, and meaningful. By laying strong foundations, educators help children develop critical thinking skills and a lifelong interest in discovery. Series Aim The aim of this Series is to equip you with the knowledge and strategies to define, explain, and apply the foundations of science in early childhood education, ensuring that learners gain a solid grounding in scientific exploration. Series Synopsis We shall commence this Series by examining the meaning and nature of science in early childhood education. Next, we will explore the importance of science in fostering children’s development and everyday understanding. Following that, we will consider effective methods of introducing science concepts through storytelling, play, and guided questioning. Finally, we will wrap up by focusing on practical approaches such as concept maps and hands-on activities that help children build lasting scientific foundations. Series Learning Outcomes (SLOs) Upon completing this Series, you should be able to: • SLO 2.1 define science and explain the nature of science in early childhood education, • SLO 2.2 analyse the importance of science in supporting children’s cognitive and exploratory development, • SLO 2.3 demonstrate methods of introducing science concepts through storytelling, play, and guided questioning, and • SLO 2.4 design simple concept maps and hands-on activities that build scientific foundations for young learners. 1.1 Understanding Science In Early Childhood Education 1.1.1 Definition of science Science is the systematic study of the natural world, involving observation, experimentation, and reasoning to explain phenomena. In early childhood education, science is not about complex theories but about nurturing curiosity and encouraging children to ask questions about their
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS environment. For example, when a child wonders why the sun disappears at night, that curiosity forms the foundation of scientific thinking. Fill in the blank: Science in early childhood education is the __________ study of the natural world. Pilot question: How might you explain the idea of “systematic study” to a child aged five using a simple everyday example? simple diagram showing the cycle of observation, questioning, and discovery in science. Caption: Figure 1.1 Cycle of scientific thinking in early childhood 1.1.2 Nature of science in early childhood learning
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS The nature of science refers to its characteristics, such as being evidence-based, exploratory, and open to revision. For young learners, this means science is presented as a way of thinking rather than a set of fixed facts. Children learn that answers can change as new observations are made. This helps them develop flexibility in thought and resilience when faced with challenges. Fill in the blank: The nature of science is __________, meaning it can change with new observations. Pilot question: Why is it important for children to learn that scientific answers can change over time? An image of children exploring nature with magnifying glasses. Caption: Plate 1.1 Children engaging in scientific exploration outdoors
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS 1.1.3 Linking science to early childhood education In early childhood education, science is integrated into everyday experiences. Activities such as observing plants grow, mixing colours, or playing with water introduce children to scientific concepts naturally. The goal is to make science relatable and enjoyable, so children see it as part of their daily lives rather than a separate subject. Fill in the blank: In early childhood education, science is best introduced through __________ experiences. Pilot question: Which everyday classroom activity could you adapt to highlight a scientific concept, and how would you explain it to children? Caption: Box 1.1 Selected examples of science in everyday childhood activities : A table listing examples such as cooking (heat), gardening (growth), and play (movement). Sample AI prompt: Activity Science Concept What’s Really Happening? Blowing Bubbles Surface Tension Water molecules stick together to form a "skin," while soap allows the water to stretch into a sphere. Mixing Colors (Paint) Light & Pigment Combining primary colors to create secondary colors demonstrates how different materials absorb and reflect light. Baking Cookies Chemical Reactions Heat causes a permanent change in the ingredients (like baking soda releasing $CO_2$ gas), making the dough rise. Playing on a Slide Friction & Gravity Gravity pulls the child down, while the texture of their clothes against the slide creates friction that controls their speed. Building a Block Tower Engineering & Center of Gravity Finding the balance point and creating a wide base to support the weight of the structure. Watching Shadows Optics (Light Travel) Demonstrates that light travels in straight lines and is blocked by opaque objects.
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Activity Science Concept What’s Really Happening? Planting Seeds Biology & Life Cycles Observing how living things need specific inputs (water, light, nutrients) to grow and change over time. 1.2 Importance of Science In Early Childhood Development 1.2.1 Role of science in cognitive growth Science plays a vital role in cognitive growth, which refers to the development of thinking, reasoning, and problem-solving skills. When children explore their environment, they learn to classify, compare, and predict outcomes. These activities strengthen their ability to think logically and creatively. Fill in the blank: Science supports children’s __________ growth by enhancing reasoning and problem-solving skills. Pilot question: How might observing the growth of a plant help children develop reasoning skills? Diagram showing stages of plant growth linked to cognitive skills. Caption: Figure 1.2 Plant growth as a tool for cognitive development
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS 1.2.2 Contribution to curiosity and exploration Curiosity is the natural desire to learn, and exploration is the act of investigating new ideas or environments. Science nurtures both by encouraging children to ask questions and seek answers. For example, experimenting with water and sand allows children to explore texture, weight, and flow. Fill in the blank: Science nurtures children’s __________ by encouraging them to ask questions and explore. Pilot question: What everyday classroom materials could you use to spark curiosity about scientific ideas? Short description: Image of children experimenting with water and sand.
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