"An explanation of where children's scientific intuitions come from and how they can be nurtured. Intended not just for scholars but science teachers and enthusiasts as well"--

Preface ix
Acknowledgments xiii
I The Cognitive Gifts of Childhood 
1 The Puzzle and the Promise 3
2 Early Exploration and Discovery 21
3 Working with Others 43
4 The Mechanistic Mind 73
II The Big Sleep: Weakening Wonder
5 Developmental Disconnects 105
6 Motivational Muddles 137
III Disengagement and Its Discontents 
7 Seductive Detours 169
8 It's a Wonderless Life 195
9 Great Reawakenings 221
Notes 253
Index 295