Early Childhood Curriculum
Marvelous Explorations Through Science and Stories: MESS®
Marvelous Explorations Through Science and Stories: MESS is a science-centered early childhood curriculum enhancement. The goal of MESS is to foster children's language development, literacy development, problem solving, curiosity and motivation, and general knowledge through science experiences.
MESS includes 10 month-long units that are appropriate for 3- through 5-year-old children. Each unit includes field-tested science experiences, suggestions for ways to integrate each topic across the curriculum, lists of recommended books and science materials, and ideas for involving families in children's learning at home and in other settings.
Educators' Guides & Recommended Materials
Head Start Teacher's Guide to the Discovering Science Webcast Series
Introduction to MESS
Educators' Guide
Animals 1: Fur, Fins, Feathers and More
Educators' Guide
Materials
Animals 2: Spiders and Insects
Educators' Guide
Materials
Investigating Water
Educators' Guide
Materials
Kitchen Science
Educators' Guide
Materials
My Body My Senses
Educators' Guide
Materials
Our Natural World
Educators' Guide
Materials
Physical Science
Educators' Guide
Materials
Plant Life
Educators' Guide
Materials
Prehistoric Life
Educators' Guide
Materials
Partners
- Alachua County Library District
- Alachua County Public Schools
- Childhood Development Services, Inc.
- Marion County Public Library System
Funding
MESS® was first developed by a partnership among the Florida Museum of Natural History, Alachua County Library District/Youth Services, and Alachua County Public Schools Early Intervention Services/Prenatal to 5 Year Old Program. An Institute of Museum and Library Services National Leadership Grant and a ChevronTexaco Foundation Touch Science Grant provided initial funding for MESS. Funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services/Administration for Children and Families is supporting the further development and expansion of MESS in Head Start classrooms in Marion County, Florida.