Domain
Science & Inquiry
Young scientists observe, ask questions, predict, and explore the living world and the physical world around them. Through hands-on investigation of plants, animals, motion, water, and weather, children build the habits of noticing closely, wondering aloud, and testing ideas. These early inquiry skills lay the foundation for reasoning, evidence, and a lasting curiosity about how things work.
Ages 8–66 months
Skills
Explores People and Objects with the Senses
Infant or toddler uses senses and actions to investigate people and objects and how they work.
Understands Object Permanence Child knows that people and objects still exist when out of sight and searches for them.
Explores Cause and Effect Infant or toddler acts on objects to make something happen and repeats the action.
Observes and Describes Child uses the senses to notice details and describes what they observe.
Explores Living Things Child observes plants and animals and learns what living things need to grow.
Investigates How Things Move Child explores how objects move by pushing, pulling, rolling, and using ramps.
Plans and Conducts Investigations Child plans simple investigations, gathers the materials, carries out the steps, and records what happens.
Draws Conclusions from Data Child looks at what an investigation showed, draws a conclusion, and shares the results.
Uses Science Vocabulary Child engages in scientific talk, using practice and content words to describe what they explore.
Predicts and Tests Child makes a prediction, tries it out, and compares the result to the guess.
Early Atlas