Early science experiences can inspire a lifetime of learning and curiosity, but not all students have equal access to these opportunities. That’s why EDC, in partnership with SRI International and WGBH, has developed and evaluated Next Generation Preschool Science(NGPS), an innovative science curricular program for disadvantaged preschool students.
The NGPS program seeks to facilitate young children’s engagement in science practices, such as questioning, planning, and carrying out investigations. It also promotes children’s understanding of key concepts in life, physical, and earth sciences—providing building blocks for future science learning.
NGPS project staff are conducting the following activities:
- Developing, testing, and refining the program in collaboration with a team of preschool teachers
- Integrating common and established learning experiences with developmentally appropriate digital activities that provide unique science learning opportunities
- Providing professional development resources to support teachers and guide their implementation of NGPS
- Developing an assessment using Evidence-Centered Design (ECD) to use in addition to a standardized measure of child learning
- Evaluating the program
After a series of pilot studies conducted over two years, NGPS was evaluated via an implementation study involving 20 classrooms from preschool programs serving predominantly low-income families. Results are forthcoming.
SRI Education, WGBH