Domain: NC Foundations for Early Learning: Cognitive Development (CD)

Subdomain: Scientific Exploration and Knowledge

Goal: Children observe and describe characteristics of living things and the physical world

Skill Progression: Observe and describe characteristics of living things and the physical world

Age: 33-36 Months

Click here to go to all skills for ages 33-36 Months.

Observe the child experimenting with an action.

While on the nature walk, model doing different actions (only once) and see if the child repeats the actions over time. For example, walk on tiptoes, kick a rock, twirl, walk on a log, etc.).Alternatively, introduce bubbles and different types of bubble wands.

As the child discovers an interesting cause-and-effect result (rolling something down a slide, making large and small bubbles), the child repeats actions to see if he gets the same result.

Explain that experimentation is a more powerful way to learn than being told something. Children remember what they discover for themselves. Encourage experimentation by asking, “I wonder what will happen if you….?” (e.g., put something down the slide that doesn’t have wheels).