Investigating Mathematics, Science and Technology in Early Childhood

Dr Amy MacDonald

Takes an integrated approach to covering mathematics, science and technology
Birth to eight focus, with particular attention paid to 0-3 not just preschool/early primary (i.e. 4-8 years)
Explanation of mathematics, science and technology concepts and processes to support EC students own knowledge and understanding (typically reserved for primary-focused texts)
Many examples from the field real artefacts and anecdotes from children, families and practitioners

Investigating Mathematics, Science and Technology in Early Childhood

Dr Amy MacDonald

Description

Investigating Mathematics, Science and Technology in Early Childhood introduces pre-service teachers to the ways in which young children develop mathematics, science and technology understandings through everyday play and investigation. This integrated text focuses on observing, documenting and communicating young childrens mathematics, science and technology learning in educative settings ranging from birth to eight years of age.

It covers mathematics, science and technology in a range of early childhood contexts, including home, playgroup, childcare, preschool, and school. Relevant case examples, with anecdotes from children, families and practitioners, are used appropriately to focus on the use of learning stories to illustrate childrens investigations of mathematics, science and technology concepts.

The text provides explanations and examples of mathematics, science and technology concepts in order to build content knowledge for pre-service students. In this way early childhood educators may develop appropriate language for explaining mathematics, science and technology concepts and processes so that they are able to articulate childrens understandings of these areas to families and other educators.

Investigating Mathematics, Science and Technology in Early Childhood

Dr Amy MacDonald

1. Holistic Approaches to Mathematics, Science and Technology Education (Amy MacDonald (with John Rafferty))
2. Powerful Processes (Amy MacDonald (with John Rafferty))
3. Assessment and Planning (Amy MacDonald (with John Rafferty))
4. Technological Tools, ICTs and Digital Play (Amy MacDonald)
5. Patterns (Amy MacDonald)
6. Space (Amy MacDonald)
7. Measurement (Amy MacDonald (with John Rafferty))
8. Number (Amy MacDonald)
9. Data (Amy MacDonald)
10. Sustainability (Amy MacDonald (with John Rafferty))
11. Earth Science (Amy MacDonald)
12. Biological Science (Amy MacDonald)
13. Physical Science (Amy MacDonald)
14. Chemical Science (Amy MacDonald)
15. Bringing It All Together (Amy MacDonald)

Investigating Mathematics, Science and Technology in Early Childhood

Dr Amy MacDonald

Author Information

Dr Amy MacDonald, Lecturer, Early Childhood Studies, Charles Sturt University Rafferty

Dr Amy MacDonald is a Lecturer in Early Childhood Studies, Charles Sturt University. She is an internationally recognised researcher with Charles Sturt Universitys Research Institute for Professional Practice, Learning and Education (RIPPLE). She has published a large number of books, book chapters, journal articles and conference papers in the areas of mathematics education, early childhood education, and educational transitions. Amy has received several awards for her work, including the Mathematics Education Research Group of Australasia Early Career Award, the New South Wales Institute for Educational Research Beth Southwell Research Award, and the Charles Sturt University Outstanding Thesis Prize for her PhD. Amy teaches mathematics, science and technology in Charles Sturt Universitys Bachelor of Education (Birth to Five Years) course.

Dr John Rafferty is a Lecturer in Science Education, Charles Sturt University. His teaching is directed toward science education for sustainability development and community engagement. A substantial body of his research is directed towards institutional and educational responses to climate change and the role of science education in future environments. John works on projects and initiatives concerning science education outreach programs, teachers environmental attitudes, and educational responses to issues around sustainability.