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Hello everyone! I am a third-year elementary education major with an early childhood endorsement. My goal is to teach preschoolers, and as a preservice teacher, I have a couple questions about integrating hands-on play into science instruction. How is science taught through play? How can play-based learning be used to teach science?

Hi Avery! Although I too am still in school to become a teacher I have a couple ideas that may be helpful for you and fun for your students! 

First i want to say when using play in Science it is obviously more of a child centered approach, let them show you what they are capable of! Not only is science more fun in a hands on way but its so much more engaging and can lead to higher retention on information. \

Some simple things you can incorporate is the use of LEGOs, these can be fun to use and can teach for concepts revolving around structures or ecosystems. You can incorporate outdoor activities, such as a nature scavenger hunt requiring students to find and identify different items like rocks, plants, or insects. Something I am recently learning about within my Science methods class is the use of gardening projects, having students observe things growing over time, making observations and predictions. Lastly, you could try explorartion centers, centers always seem to be a hit across content areas. This can be set up areas with different materials, being spaces where students can explore about the concept independently. 

I hope this helps, good luck !!

Hi Avery! I am currently in an undergraduate program for Early Childhood/Elementary Education and have had many experiences learning the importance of integrating play with learning. I think incorporating aspects of a sand or rice table, where students use different tools to search and dig for items (almost like a scavenger hunt), can be helpful for scientific processes that deal with finding and collecting physical data in the future. Dramatic play can also be incorporated, such as having students act out what they do during the different seasons or what they wear during different weather patterns. Lastly, toys like blocks can get students into the engineering and design scientific processes, which also helps expand their imagination, critical thinking, and problem solving skills!

Hi Avery! I am a senior about to graduate from the elementary education program. I've had many experiences integrating play and learning. I love using water tables and other sensory bins. I think it is a great way to have kids explore different materials and develop fine motor skills. 

Hello,

I also think projects like reading a story book (like the 3 Little Pigs) and having them build and design a house that would withstand a blast from a hairdryer wolf is a good way to incorporate early design style thinking in the early education classroom. 

Hi Avery! I think something simple like having the kids play with water to discover concepts like sinking and floating or use magnifying glasses to observe leaves and bugs up close might help.