8 easy ways to get science into your Early Years curriculum

For children under five, engaging with science isn't about complex theories but about nurturing their natural curiosity and understanding of the world. Introducing practical science in early years settings is not only beneficial but essential for their development.

Why Science Matters in the Early Years

Children are natural explorers, constantly questioning and investigating their surroundings. By incorporating science into early childhood education, we tap into this curiosity, helping children develop:

• Critical Thinking – Observing, predicting, and making sense of their environment.

• Problem-Solving Skills – Finding solutions through hands-on exploration.

• Communication Skills – Talking about what they see, do, and discover.

• Confidence and Independence – Exploring and experimenting without fear of failure.

Research suggests that by the age of seven, children’s attitudes towards science can become firmly established. Early exposure to scientific thinking helps foster a lifelong love of learning and exploration.

How to Incorporate Science into Everyday Play

Incorporating science into early years settings doesn’t require elaborate equipment or complicated experiments. Science happens naturally in everyday play and exploration. Here are some easy ways to encourage it:

1. Encourage Questions

Instead of just giving answers, ask children what they think and why. If they ask why the sky is blue or how plants grow, turn it back on them first: "What do you think?" This encourages them to develop their own ideas and reasoning skills.

2. Provide Opportunities for Hands-On Exploration

Let children interact with natural materials like water, sand, mud, leaves, and stones. Sensory play is a great way to explore science concepts like textures, sinking and floating, and cause and effect.

3. Observe the Natural World

Take time to watch clouds move, leaves change colour, or animals behave in their environments. Encourage children to make simple observations – "What do you notice? What’s different today?"

4. Use Everyday Routines to Explore Science

Simple activities like cooking, washing up, or playing in the bath offer great opportunities to talk about changes, reactions, and movement. Mixing ingredients, watching ice melt, or seeing bubbles form are all natural science experiments.

5. Celebrate Curiosity and Let Them Lead

If a child is fascinated by something – worms in the garden, shadows on the ground, or how a torch works – follow their lead. Support their exploration with open-ended materials and questions.

6. Introduce Simple Science Language

Use words like "observe," "predict," "change," and "experiment" in everyday conversations. It helps children start thinking scientifically without even realising it.

7. Create Opportunities for Problem-Solving

Let children figure things out on their own. If they’re building a tower that keeps falling, instead of fixing it for them, ask: "What could we do differently?" Encouraging trial and error helps build resilience and scientific thinking.

8. Use Books and Stories to Spark Ideas

Many picture books naturally explore science themes – seasons, animals, forces, and materials. Read together and ask, "What do you think will happen next?" or "Have you ever seen this in real life?"

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Our Mini Boffins programmes help bring science to life in your setting. Each session is 45 minutes long and linked to the Early Years framework and Development Matters. Click the picture to find out more.