Inquiry-based science lessons in the kindergarten classroom often focus on hands-on experiments. These allow and encourage the young child to act as a 'scientist,' exploring a new topic and making discoveries. Experiments can complement many scientific topics and areas such as states of matter, the physics of gravity or plant life biology. For example, kindergartners can experiment with states of matter by melting ice cubes under different circumstances, making observations and comparing what happens. Start the experiment off with a question that is preferably child created. For the states of matter experiment the question may go something like, "What do you think happens to a piece of ice when it is placed under light or heat?"
Although hands-on learning the preferable tool for a young child's mind, basic discussion during inquiry science lessons can help to explain or solidify concepts. Avoid lecturing or teacher/adult centered discussions during inquiry based science lessons. Play to the kindergarten-aged child's natural desire to ask questions about the surrounding world and allow the children to initiate, or at least further, the talk. Listen to the children during the course of the entire school day, not just during science lesson times. If you hear a question or comment relating to a specific science topic of interest point it out. For example, if you are outside and a student asks why the leaves change colors in the fall, start a discussion (during class time) based on the child's interest.
Scientific tools are essential to maintaining an inquiry-based science curriculum. Tools and real scientific materials help the students to carry out experiments and investigations, encourage the use of proper scientific vocabulary and make young children feel like they are real scientists. Although the typical kindergartner cannot use the sophisticated tools of a high school laboratory student, basic items such as magnifying glasses, small microscopes, tweezers, plastic test tubes, measuring cups and measuring spoons can come in handy during scientific inquiry activities.
Documenting the children's discoveries, explorations, expressions and ideas is vital to the inquiry process. Proper documentation allows the student to reflect back upon what he has learned as well as providing a concrete means for teachers or parents to see how the child is progressing. Scientific inquiry lesson documentation does not need to be elaborate. One simple way to consistently document is to keep a science journal. Provide the kindergartners with a blank note or sketch book to work with. Ask the children to write simple words (adult assistance may be necessary) and draw pictures that reflect what they see and do during science time. Other ways to document scientific inquiry lessons are single drawn pictures or even digital photographs of the children working.