Gordon Biddle, Early Childhood Education: Becoming a Professional Instructor Resource
Chapter 13
Mathematics, Science, and Technology
The integration of mathematics, science, and technology into an early childhood
education classroom must be done with a realization that children are capable of learning in these
areas. The teacher’s job is to maximize the child’s capabilities and this can be done through
gaining knowledge and understanding in these subject areas. Since researchers have found basic
understanding of number sense in children as young as five months and classification in children
as young as three months, these are skills that children are adept at gaining. Appropriate skills to
work on with young children include number sense, classification, seriation, patterning, number
concepts, measurement, and geometry. As children learn new concepts, they are also learning
new vocabulary that will enhance their development in language.
Children have a natural curiosity about their world. Therefore, science is another subject
area that should be incorporated into the early childhood curriculum. The study of life science,
physical science, earth and space science, environmental science, and health and nutrition can all
be integrated into the curriculum and are fascinating areas of study for young children.
Technology can be a helpful aid to teaching new concepts to children. The important thing is that
the adult has a positive attitude towards these subjects and is willing to gain more knowledge and
create a challenging, fun, and educational environment for young children.
How Math, Science, and Technology Understanding Enhances Development?
• Constructivism is the main theory that gives foundational support to math and science
understanding.
• Early exposure to technology and media may not be helpful for skill development if not
done in a developmentally appropriate manner.
Gordon Biddle, Early Childhood Education: Becoming a Professional Instructor Resource
What are Some Appropriate Skills?
• Mathematics curriculum:
o Classification is grouping objects and people based on characteristics.
o Seriation is putting in order by weight, amount, size or other related characteristic
• Language is important for communicating an understanding of concepts, mathematic and
science concepts as well. When teaching concepts to young children use the proper
language.
What are Some Appropriate Knowledge Areas?
• Early and space science is the study of earth and space substances and properties.
• Environmental science focuses on making children aware of their world, introducing
basic concepts, and teaching young children about actions to take to protect the
environment.
Gordon Biddle, Early Childhood Education: Becoming a Professional Instructor Resource
• Health and science are also scientific topics.
What are Common Core Standards?
• The following is a framework for science and technology for the grades of K – 3 plus:
• Teachers’ attitudes towards mathematics and science may impact their students’ attitudes.
How to Utilize Computers and Other Technologies Appropriately and Effectively?
Gordon Biddle, Early Childhood Education: Becoming a Professional Instructor Resource
How to Plan for Teaching Mathematics, Science, and Technology Education?