New nation-wide science standards released a few weeks ago lay out lessons that are aimed at Kindergarten aged tots. But a handful of programs across Southern California are starting even sooner by teaching scientific concepts to preschoolers. As KPCC's Deepa Fernandes discovered, these little scientists learn the basics through hands-on experiences.
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An instructor reads to children at University Village, one of three pre-schools run by UCLA Early Care and Education.
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Matthew, a student at UCLA Early Care and Education, plays with a fire truck in a classroom dedicated to science curriculum.
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Noah (center) plays in a model city at University Village.
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Students pretend to be firemen at University Village. Newly released standards for teaching K thru 12 science are based on hands-on learning and testing critical thinking.
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Tupac (left) and Alessandro paint boxes the color of a fire truck. University Village and the other two UCLA preschools are among a few in Southern California to offer science-based learning.
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Leah, a student at University Village, passes through the locker bin area of the classroom in Palms, Calif.
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Children go through an elaborate science curriculum at University Village, one of three pre-schools run by UCLA Early Care and Education.
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Holly, a University Village student, plays with a model of a town and fire station.
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Children go through an elaborate science curriculum at University Village. The song lyrics on the walls tell the students about air and water.
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A teacher makes notes on a board about a class field trip to a fire station during the unit on fire. The science curriculum at University Village is structured around the elements.
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A student makes "fire" from Play-Doh in a corner of a classroom dedicated to science curriculum at University Village.
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