Itty Bitty Science

Graphical Abstract

The Collaborative for Early Science Learning is a group of six museums in six different cities that partner with their local Head Start programs to provide training for teachers and opportunities for family engagement.

Abstract

Young children learn about the world in much the way that scientists do: through observing, predicting, experimenting, and trying things over and over. A child may test outcomes by repeatedly dropping a toy, for example, to see how it falls and how the adults around them react (Gopnik 2009). “Children are ready and eager to engage in science exploration, from their earliest years, but most early learning programs do not do enough to build on competencies in science” (ECS 2014).

Keywords:

• Informal Education

Author Contributions

Michelle Kortenaar ([email protected]) is senior director of engagement and learning at Sciencenter in Ithaca, New York.

Victoria Fiordalis ([email protected]) is educator, early childhood programs, at Sciencenter in Ithaca, New York.

Miriam Krause ([email protected]) is early learning supervisor at Maryland Science Center in Baltimore, Maryland.

Laurinda Willard ([email protected]) is education and programs manager at Turtle Bay Exploration Park in Redding, California.

Cheryl Lani Juárez ([email protected]) is senior director of professional development at Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science in Miami, Florida.

Melissa Thomas ([email protected]) is manager of the Early Childhood Discovery Room at St. Louis Science Center in St. Louis, Missouri.

Zoe Peters ([email protected]) is connections program manager at Bay Area Discovery Museum in Sausalito, California.

Carrie Jubran ([email protected]) is education services manager at Tompkins Community Action in Ithaca, New York.

Alli Sribarra ([email protected]) is grant manager at Sciencenter in Ithaca, New York.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Michelle Kortenaar

Michelle Kortenaar ([email protected]) is senior director of engagement and learning at Sciencenter in Ithaca, New York.

Victoria Fiordalis

Victoria Fiordalis ([email protected]) is educator, early childhood programs, at Sciencenter in Ithaca, New York.

Miriam Krause

Miriam Krause ([email protected]) is early learning supervisor at Maryland Science Center in Baltimore, Maryland.

Laurinda Willard

Laurinda Willard ([email protected]) is education and programs manager at Turtle Bay Exploration Park in Redding, California.

Cheryl Lani Juárez

Cheryl Lani Juárez ([email protected]) is senior director of professional development at Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science in Miami, Florida.

Melissa Thomas

Melissa Thomas ([email protected]) is manager of the Early Childhood Discovery Room at St. Louis Science Center in St. Louis, Missouri.

Zoe Peters

Zoe Peters ([email protected]) is connections program manager at Bay Area Discovery Museum in Sausalito, California.

Carrie Jubran

Carrie Jubran ([email protected]) is education services manager at Tompkins Community Action in Ithaca, New York.

Alli Sribarra

Alli Sribarra ([email protected]) is grant manager at Sciencenter in Ithaca, New York.