Describe a balanced, integrated learning experience that would extend Essay

Describe a balanced, integrated learning experience that would extend the child(ren)'s learning in the area of interests, sicenc - Essay Example Geist (2001) contends that quantification is the basis for formal math. It synthesizes order by allowing an individual to count chronologically in a specific sequence and each object is counted only once. Babbington (2003) believes that opportunities abound to learn math and these need to be maximized by allowing children to engage in the activities themselves. Science The children’s own observations and comparisons (smooth wood vs. hard wood; sinking vs. floating) remained active throughout their play. DeBoo (2006) believes that observation is the most important skill in enquiry. Putting the wooden boats in the water, they explored how each will move by pushing it real hard. They discovered that some things float and some things sink. This shows that the children have pre-knowledge of the concepts of force and inertia and sinking and floating. While playing, their minds remain active and constantly coming up with new ideas. Paula observed that her boat does not go straight an d just goes around in circles. At this point, she may be associating her boat’s shape with the direction it goes. She thinks having a more triangular front will make it go faster. Another idea is Hone’s perception that his boat will be more stable if he adds more pieces of wood to it to balance it and make it float better. This is another example of scientific knowledge in physics although it is not explicit. Discovering a bumble bee in the water was another stimulant for scientific thinking. Paula knows that it can swim and may sting if touched. This is knowledge of biology and how living things survive. This may have been learned from previous experience or discussion about bees. It is good for children to be exposed to learning about their physical world. They are encouraged to develop an understanding of what things are made of and how other objects can associate with it (Backshall, n.d.) Technology In the beginning of the story, Hone volunteered to get hammer and nails for Paula because they wanted to build their own boats from scratch. Both children were familiar with the tools. However, since they are very young and still lacking in motor skills, they decided to collaborate in using the technology. While Hone hammers in the nail, Paula was tasked to hold on to the nail while she held it down with pliers. Not convinced that the boat will be fast enough, Paula suggested hers will have a â€Å"sharp bit at the front, like a triangle† and knew that she needed a saw to contour her boat. Howitt et al. (2007) believe that science should be hands-on and the manipulation of technology such as the tools of hammer & nails and saw is a reflection that children are allowed to explore and do science in their environment. Reference Babbington, S. (2003). The magic of early childhood mathematics. In Ministry of Education, Convention proceedings: Papers presented at the 8th Early Childhood Convention, 22-25 September 2003, Palmerston North/Manawatu, New Zealand. Backshall, B. ( ) Science for Infants and Toddlers. The First Years: New Zealand Journal of Infant and Toddler Education, Vol. 2, Issue 2. DeBoo, M. (2006) Chapter 16: Science in the Early Years Geist, E. (2001) Children are Born Mathematicians: Promoting the Construction of Early Mathematical Concepts in Children Under Five, Young Children, July, 2001 Howitt, C., Morris, M., & Colvill, M. (2007). Science teaching and learning in the early childhood years. In V. Dawson & G. Venville (Eds.), The art of teaching primary science (pp. 233-247).