Three Ways to Integrate Physics Into Your Early Learning Curriculum at Home
Posted on: 13 July 2018
Introducing young children to basic science concepts early in their education journey really lays the foundations to assist them with understanding higher concepts as they grow. As part of the STEM-focused curriculum perspective now embraced by Australian schools, presenting physics in your child's early learning is crucial. If you're looking for ideas to integrate physics into your young child's life, here's three great approaches to get you started.
1. Observe and Explore Together
Children learn best through tactile experiences and first-hand observations, so take the time to notice physics in action in everyday life. The next time you're at the park, take the time to notice how the see-saw works. When driving together in the car, chat about how the laws of motion are in action when you accelerate, turn and brake.
Notice inertia at play when you kick a ball together or play with toys. There are endless real-world examples of physics for kids to learn from once you start looking! Take your observations to the next level with some simple physics experiments at home
2. Get Out of the House
Look beyond your home and early learning centre when exploring basic physics concepts—planning little trips to local museums and science centres is an excellent way to foster an interest and encourage open-ended questions. Think outside of the box when deciding on venues to explore together:
- Visit the beach to watch the waves move
- Check out your nearest observatory
- Take an excursion to your local electricity station
- Make the trip to an amusement park or show
If you're on a tight budget, visit your local park to observe gravity in action, or chat about the laws of motion at your local railway station, airport or nearby roadworks.
3. Embrace Technology
With a vibrant range of STEM apps available for free or a small cost, technology is an excellent way to introduce and reinforce basic physics concepts to students of all ages. Exploratory game-based apps and open-ended apps that encourage creative thinking and problem solving support active learning through experimentation.
Augmented reality (AR) is another very useful and highly engaging education aid for early learning physics—check out your local public library for AR equipment and information, or ask your early learning centre about suitable technology recommendations for physics education.
For more information and advice about introducing your young child to basic physics concepts, contact your local early learning centre today.
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