From playground equipment to skyscrapers, structures are everywhere. The second unit in the Young Scientist series, Building Structures with Young Children guides children's explorations to help deepen their understanding of the physical science present in building block structures-including concepts such as gravity, stability, and balance. Looking at science in a new way, this nationally field-tested curriculum supports the early development of important science inquiry skills such as questioning, investigating, discussing, and formulating ideas and theories.

Building high : excerpts from a teacher's journal -- Getting ready -- Open exploration -- Transition from open exploration to focused exploration -- Focused exploration : towers -- Focused exploration : enclosures -- Extension activities -- Resources -- Science teaching -- Young children's inquiry -- The teacher's role -- Observation and assessment -- Building materials -- Involving families -- Books and web sites -- Appendices -- Classroom environment checklist -- Guidelines for creating documentation panels -- Observation record -- Document annotation -- Learning record -- Outcomes charts.