Book Description

Educators, scholars, and researchers in the United States convened at the Forum on Early Childhood Science, Mathematics, and Technology Education to discuss how, when, and even if science, mathematics, and technology should be taught to pre-kindergarten children. The product of that forum, this book summarizes some of the latest thinking about early childhood science, mathematics, and technology education. Articles are organized into sections covering perspectives; learning context; first experiences in science, mathematics, and technology; and fostering high-quality programs. The articles are as follows: (1) "Early Childhood Education in Science, Mathematics, and Technology: An NSTA Perspective" (Fred Johnson--National Science Teachers Association); (2) "Toward a Research Agenda in Early Childhood Science, Mathematics, and Technology Education" (Alverna M. Champion--National Science Foundation); (3) "Making Sense of the World" (Shirley Malcom--American Association for the Advancement of Science); (4) "The Forum on Early Childhood Science, Mathematics, and Technology Education" (Jacqueline R. Johnson--Grand Valley State University, Allendale, Michigan); (5) "The State of Early Childhood Programs in America; Challenges for the New Millenium" (Barbara Day and Tracie Yarbrough--The University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill; (6) "Policy Implications for Math, Science, and Technology in Early Childhood Education" (Barbara T. Bowman--Erikson Institute); (7) "Concept Development in Preschool Children" (Susan A. Gelman--University of Michigan-Ann Arbor); (8) "Educating Young Children in Math, Science, and Technology" (David Elkind--Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts); (9) "Science in Early Childhood: Developing and Acquiring Fundamental Concepts and Skills" (Karen K. Lind--University of Louisville, Kentucky); (10) "Early Childhood Mathematics" (Susan Sperry Smith--Cardinal Stritch University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin); (11) "Young Children and Technology" (Douglas Clements--SUNY-Buffalo, New York); (12) "Science Assessment in Early Childhood Programs" (Edward Chittenden and Jacqueline Jones--Educational Testing Service); (13) "Preparing Teachers of Young Learners: Professional Development of Early Childhood Teachers in Mathematics and Science" (Juanita V. Copley and Yolanda Padron--University of Houston, Texas); (14) "Partnerships among Families, Early Childhood Educators, and Communities To Promote Early Learning in Science, Mathematics, and Technology" (Heather B. Weiss--Harvard Family Research Project); and (15) "Playing Fair and Square: Issues of Equity in Preschool Mathematics, Science, and Technology" (Rebecca S. New--University of New Hampshire). Each article contains references. The book concludes with lists of selected resources and of the forum attendees. (HTH)