Investigating Mathematics, Science and Technology in Early Childhood, 1st Edition

Investigating Mathematics, Science and Technology in Early Childhood explores the ways in which young children develop mathematics, science and technology understandings through everyday play and investigation.Taking a holistic approach, the book addresses key areas of knowledge within mathematics, science and technology in the early years’ contexts and looks at how they can be integrated to create meaningful learning experiences.It provides clear explanations and examples of mathematical, scientific and technological concepts and processes to help pre-service educators build up their own content knowledge to confidently prepare for practice in early years learning environments.KEY FEATURESFocuses on the birth to eight, with particular attention paid to 0 – 3 agesLearning stories with practical examples and anecdotes from early childhood educators demonstrate how children investigate concepts within mathematics, science and technology learningInvestigation boxes provide examples of children’s investigations of mathematics, science and technology and educator’s interpretations of these, to help build content knowledgeCritical reflective questions throughout encourage readers to consider key issues, interpret examples and reflect upon their own experiences.

Dr Amy MacDonald is a Lecturer in Early Childhood Studies, Charles Sturt University.She is an internationally recognised researcher with Charles Sturt Universitys Research Institute for Professional Practice, Learning and Education (RIPPLE). She has published a large number of books, book chapters, journal articles and conference papers in the areas of mathematics education, early childhood education, and educational transitions. Amy has received several awards for her work, including the Mathematics Education Research Group of Australasia Early Career Award, the New South Wales Institute for Educational Research Beth Southwell Research Award, and the Charles Sturt University Outstanding Thesis Prize for her PhD. Amy teaches mathematics, science and technology in Charles Sturt Universitys Bachelor of Education (Birth to Five Years) course.Dr John Rafferty is a Lecturer in Science Education, Charles Sturt University.His teaching is directed toward science education for sustainability development and community engagement. A substantial body of his research is directed towards institutional and educational responses to climate change and the role of science education in future environments. John works on projects and initiatives concerning science education outreach programs, teachers environmental attitudes, and educational responses to issues around sustainability.

Investigating Mathematics, Science and Technology in Early Childhood introduces pre-service teachers to the ways in which young children develop mathematics, science and technology understandings through everyday play and investigation. This integrated text focuses on observing, documenting and communicating young childrens mathematics, science and technology learning in educative settings ranging from birth to eight years of age. It covers mathematics, science and technology in a range of early childhood contexts, including home, playgroup, childcare, preschool, and school. Relevant case examples, with anecdotes from children, families and practitioners, are used appropriately to focus on the use of learning stories to illustrate childrens investigations of mathematics, science and technology concepts. The text provides explanations and examples of mathematics, science and technology concepts in order to build content knowledge for pre-service students. In this way early childhood educators may develop appropriate language for explaining mathematics, science and technology concepts and processes so that they are able to articulate childrens understandings of these areas to families and other educators.

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