RESEARCH BRIEF

How Can We Improve Science Learning Through Students’ Prior Knowledge?

Where does the sun go at night? Young learners are always trying to make meaning of the world around them. They deserve a science curriculum starting their first day of school that will help them build knowledge for today, tomorrow, and beyond.

In this research brief, you will

• learn what research studies indicate students can know and learn about the content of science and the doing of science at a young age,
• uncover how current science instruction often falls short of supporting students in building enduring science knowledge, and
• explore how you can improve the science education opportunities for your students through curriculum selection, integrated instructional approaches, and connecting learning to students’ experiences.

Learn how you can ensure knowledge building continues outside of the classroom by also reading What Is The Relationship Between Learning And Knowledge?