What is a key inquiry approach for younger children learning physical science?

Gathering information and analyzing data is a key inquiry approach for younger children learning physical science because it aligns with the foundational skills of scientific inquiry. Young children are naturally curious and learn best through hands-on experience, exploration, and observation. By engaging in activities where they collect information or conduct simple experiments, they not only develop critical thinking skills but also learn how to interpret their findings. This process fosters a deeper understanding of scientific concepts as they construct knowledge through active participation rather than passive learning.

The other options may not effectively align with the developmental needs and learning styles of younger children. Reading textbooks can be abstract and may not capture the interest of young learners, while participating in science fairs could be more suitable for older students who already have some foundational knowledge. Similarly, while creating models of the solar system can be a fun activity that integrates creativity, it may not inherently emphasize the process of inquiry as much as gathering and analyzing data. Thus, the ability to engage in inquiry through data collection is crucial for developing an early understanding of scientific principles.