Marvelous Explorations Through Science and Stories (MESS)

Marvelous Explorations Through Science and Stories (MESS) is a science-centered curriculum enhancement for children ages 3–5. Each MESS guide includes field-tested science experiences and suggestions for ways to integrate the topic across the curriculum. Review lists of recommended books and science materials. Discover ideas for involving families in children’s learning at home and in other settings.

A desktop full of various items to explore such as plants, models of dinosaurs, stones...

Introduction

Find out how the MESS guides can help early childhood teachers develop confidence in introducing scientific discovery and concepts to young children.

A child looking over his arrangement of toy elephants from smallest on the left, to largest on the right.

Animals: Fur, Fins, Feathers, and More

Teachers may use this guide to respond to children’s interests and curiosity as they investigate vertebrates. Learn how to expand children's learning around mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish.

Child using a large magnifier to look at an insect.

Insects and Spiders

Help support children's interest and curiosity about the world of insects through planned explorations. Teachers may also use this guide as a model to support investigations into other areas of children’s interest.

A child dressed in winter clothing scooping up ice into a pitcher.

Investigating Water

Engage children in learning about the nature of water using this comprehensive resource, which includes teacher background information, specific vocabulary, and a list books for the classroom.

A young child scooping cake mix into paper cupcake molds.

Kitchen Science

Discover tips and materials for responding to children as they explore the properties of everyday substances found in the kitchen. Through planned explorations, teachers can engage children in the process of scientific inquiry.

A young child holding up an x-ray with both hands.

My Body, My Senses

Teachers may use this guide to respond to children’s interests and curiosity as they learn more about the human body and its five senses: sight, touch, smell, taste, and sound.

Child and caretaker examing the areas of a tree where the limbs were cut off.

Our Natural World

Learn to respond to children’s interests and curiosity as they explore the natural world around them: soil, rocks, water, trees, leaves, worms, and the sounds and colors of nature.

Children and caregiver examing and playing with various shaped plastic toys.

Physical Science

Use this guide to engage children and encourage their curiosity as they explore the many aspects of the physical world in which they live.

Children wearing straw hats watering plants.

Plant Life

Teachers may use this guide to respond to children’s interests as they find out more about different plants and where they grow.

Scientific Reasoning

School Readiness

School Readiness