(IL State Goals 7A, 7B, 7C, 11A, 12D, 19A)
For a more in-depth description of the skills, abilities and goals for which this exhibit was designed to enhance, please visit: Illinois State Board of Education – Early Childhood Education Standards / Goals

Description:

Youngsters make a splash in our ever-changing water environment.  On occasion, a “fish” or “frog” might “swim” to the surface to surprise our little Tom Sawyers.

Educational Philosophy:

Water’s fluid nature means tree house explorers can make waves interacting with the crucial liquid as it flows, falls and makes things float.  Children get a multi-sensory experience feeling the water splash, hearing the water bubble and gurgle and seeing the water as it moves and laps against its banks.  Children learn to appreciate the properties of this abundant and life-giving element.

Summary: In The Pond, the young child…

• Uses their senses to explore and observe materials and natural phenomena
• Investigates and categorizes the components of water
• Makes comparisons among objects that have been observed
• Uses tools for investigations