Constructivist classrooms invite all children and teachers to consider themselves scientists.  In fact, as they work and play, children are constantly experimenting.  Upon the advent of our new unit of inquiry, Light & Color, my students were more formally walked-through the scientific-process.

Problem:  How can we make a rainbow?

Experiment: My teaching partner showed our materials including beakers, pipettes, and food coloring.   Some students suggested we might mix colors & water.

Hypothesis:  Students shared their predictions of what will happen when we conduct the experiment.

Results:  I recorded the results of the experiment as my partner conducted the demonstration.

Conclusion:  Students learned more about mixing colors.  However, we’ve not yet managed to make a rainbow.

The process continues:  At center time, children finger painted with the three primary colors, being mindful that if they mixed all three together, they would get a muddy color.  Later, I’ll set-up a light laboratory, that the children can conduct experiments with color & light more informally at free-play time.

Children are naturally curious and explore the nature of their environment.  With guidance, they can further develop scientific skills and positive attitudes about science.