Anything to do with physics. There are several reasons for this:
1.) they can innitative an action on their own without adult help
2.) the result of their action is immediate (physics, not a teacher, will inform them if their idea is right or wrong)
3.) the result of their action is immediate
4.) there is something to vary.
I'm posting some links to free resources that have worked well for us:
Ramps & Pathways
More info on implementing Ramps & Pathways
Light & Shadow
WaterWorks
Tinkering with Tops
Air Dynamics (in process)
Physics of Sound
Chemistry in Cooking
Investigating Bubbles
If you want in-depth information, we have a published series 'STEM for Our Youngest Learners' with Teachers College Press. You can find more info on our website.
I taught first grade for 24 years, but didn't include physics until the last 8 years. I wished I'd figured out how to work with physics from the beginning. When I finally did, we worked in STEM experiences to occur during small group reading instruction. It worked beautifully. A second grade teacher who also does this is working on an article to submit to Science and Children.
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