Why You Need to be Teaching Science to Kindergarten and First Grade Students

Kindergarten and First Grade teachers have the challenging task of acclimating their students to learning in school and focusing on literacy and math skills.  It's understandable that some teachers of the Littles feel too pressed for time to squeeze science in.  But I'm here to tell you why you need to be teaching science to those young students.

1.  Science is an engaging topic for young and old alike.
2.  Young children are fascinated by the world around them and always are wondering "why?"
3.  Literacy and math skills are an integral part of doing science
4.  The Next Generation Science Standards documents are linked to Common Core ELA and Math
5.  Students exposed to science at a young age are more likely to choose a science career
6.  Students exposed to science at a young age are more likely to have a positive attitude towards science.

There are many more reasons I could add to this list, including the fact that we live in a STEM society, and many jobs of the present and future are STEM related.  As an advocate for girls and STEM, girls that are exposed to science and STEM at young ages are much more likely to become interested in science and STEM careers as they enter junior high and high school. 

I challenge you to find time to fit science into your day.  Your students will thank you!

Be sure to check out my entire year science bundles.  Language and math skills are integrated into many of the activities allowing you to teach to a variety of standards with one lesson.