1803 Vocabulary Terms

These terms are no particular order; however all must be defined as a part of the set-exercises
assessment task.

Term Definition Pg. #

2D Shape
3D Shape
5E Model
accommodation When new information that does not fit 449
into an existing scheme is modified or a
new scheme is made.
assimilation Fitting information into an existing 449
scheme.
cardinality An understanding that the last number 449
named is the amount in a group.
centration The characteristic of preoperational 449
children that causes them to focus on the
most obvious aspects of what they
perceive .
Classification (Science Putting things from a larger group into 449
process skill) smaller logical groups; systematically
distributing a group of many items into
smaller groups with similar
characteristics; also known as sorting.
Cognitive constructivism The view that people build their own
knowledge .
communicating (Science Recording ideas, directions, and 450
process skill) descriptions orally or in written form,
such as pictures, maps, graphs, or
journals so others can understand what
you mean; one of the science process
skills.
concept The building blocks of knowledge; they 4
allow for organizing and categorizing
information .
conceptual subitizing Seeing number patterns within a group 450
such as a large number of dots (usually
more than group such as a large number
of dots (usually more than five).
conclusion (Scientific Statements that tell whether the original
method) prediction or hypothesis was rejected.
Concrete operational The third period identified by 450
stage Piaget,during which children attain
conservation.
concrete pictorial
abstract learning
progression
conservation The ability to retain the original picture in 450
 1803 Vocabulary Terms

the mind when material has been changed

in its arrangement in space; also, the care
and protection of natural resources.
Constructivist method The mathematics and science standards 14
do not dictate teaching methods .
controlling variables
(More complex science
process skill)
data Recording information collected during 450
observations .
disequilibrium Occurs when children realize that they do 450
not understand something they previously
thought they understood .
equilibrium Is established when children have enough 451
information to satisfy their curiosity and
to create a new cognitive structure.
estimation Making a sensible and reasonable guess 451
regarding how much without counting
or measuring .
Formal Operations Stage Piagets final period , which extends from 451
about age 11 through adulthood .
hypothesis (Scientific A statement , based on observations , 451
method) that can be tasted by experiment ; one of
the science process skills .
hypothesizing (More
complex science process
skill)
inferring (science
process skill)
informal experience
inquiry-based learning The third stage in the learning cycle; as 451
(IBL) adapted to early childhood education ,
learners compare their findings; a major
focus of science process skill.
learning cycle Phases of learning used for curriculum 13
development and as teaching strategies :
exploration, concept development ,
concept application.
logical grouping Groups whose members have a logical 94
connection (such as number, color ,
shape , or class)
measuring Quantitative descriptions made by an 452
observer either directly through
observation or indirectly with a unit of
measure ; one of the science process
skills
 1803 Vocabulary Terms

measuring (science Quantitative description made by an 452

process skill) observer either directly through
observation or indirectly with a unit of
measure ; one of the science process
skills .
more knowledgeable
other
naturalistic experience Learning that occurs as children go about 452
their daily activities .
observing (science
process skill)
one to one
correspondence
perceptual subitizing Being able to state how many are in a 452
group , without counting or grouping .
predicting (science Making reasonable guesses or estimations 453
process skill) based on observation and prior knowledge
and experiences; one of the science
process skills .
pre-operational stage
Principles of School Describe the overarching themes of 7
Mathematics mathematics instruction.
process skill
rational counting Attaching a number name to each object 453
counted .
reversibility When the arrangement of material is 453
changed, the minds ability to reverse the
process of change and visualize the
original arrangement.
rote counting Reciting the names of the numerals in 453
order from memory .
scaffolding Assistance in learning from someone who 453
is more mature.
science process skill
scientific method
Sensory motor stage
seriation According to Piaget, ordering that result 454
from putting items in a logical sequence
such as first to last.
social constructivism
Sorting The process of separating a larger group 454
into two or more smaller groups; see
classification.
spatial awareness 454
Standards for School Provide guidance as to what children 8
Mathematics should know and be able to do at different
 1803 Vocabulary Terms

ages and stages .

structured experience
student- directed inquiry
teachable moment A time when adults recognize that a child 454
has chosen an activity that provides a
time to insert instruction .
teacher- directed inquiry
testable question
volume In measurement , denotes how much . 455
zone of proximal The area between where the child is now 455
development operating independently and where the
child might be able to operate with the
assistance of an adult or a more mature
peer .