Includes bibliographical references and index.

Building high : excerpts from a teacher's journal -- Getting ready -- Open exploration -- Transition from open exploration to focused exploration -- Focused exploration : towers -- Focused exploration : enclosures -- Extension activities -- Resources -- Science teaching -- Young children's inquiry -- The teacher's role -- Observation and assessment -- Building materials -- Involving families -- Books and web sites -- Appendices -- Classroom environment checklist -- Guidelines for creating documentation panels -- Observation record -- Document annotation -- Learning record -- Outcomes charts.