Designed for both the home economics teacher as a reference in planning a science unit in the child care curriculum, and for the student of child care as a resource for planning science activities, this handbook contains six units for teaching science to preschool children. Five of the units teach through imaginative finger plays and songs, and all contain learning activities to help children explore their world through touching, tasting, observing, and investigating. Some activities provide practice in classroom skills, while others encourage creativity by the students. Topics covered include: Understanding the Body, Seasons/Weather, Animals, Plant Power, Machines and Tools, and Force and Pressure. Visuals for bulletin board or projector occur throughout the units. Appendixes contain suggested science resources including records, pictures, films and filmstrips, and children's science books; a plan for a discovery center; a list of free or inexpensive science materials; suggestions for teaching science activities; a blank activity plan form; and an instructor checklist for a science presentation. A bibliography is also included. (KC)