Inspiring a Love for Science in the Early Years

When people hear the word science, they might think of white coats, bubbling test tubes, or complicated experiments. But for young children, science is simply about noticing, exploring, and making sense of the world around them. In the early years, science shows up in everyday moments — from watching raindrops race down a window, to stacking blocks higher and higher, to asking the never-ending “why?”

Science in preschool isn’t about learning facts by heart. Instead, it’s about nurturing natural curiosity. When we encourage children to ask questions, spot changes, and test out their ideas, we are building strong foundations for learning — not only in science, but across all areas of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths).

Science Through Play in the Nursery

At our nursery, scientific thinking is gently woven into children’s daily play. Some of the ways we spark curiosity include:

• Exploring the outdoors – spotting minibeasts under logs, feeling the texture of bark, watching how the seasons change, or noticing the weather.

• Water play and messy fun – testing which objects float or sink, exploring pouring and measuring, and experimenting with mixing sand, water, or soil.

• Construction and engineering – using wooden blocks, Lego, recycled boxes, or natural materials to create structures, then testing how strong or tall they can be.

• Cooking and food exploration – observing how cake batter rises in the oven, how jelly sets, or how bread dough changes as it’s kneaded.

• Hands-on investigations – blowing bubbles, watching ice cubes melt at different speeds, mixing paint to create new colours, or planting seeds and tracking their growth.

• Sensory play – exploring magnets, torches, magnifying glasses, or even listening tubes to see and hear the world differently.

These playful opportunities help children develop skills such as observing, predicting, problem-solving, teamwork, and communication — all while having fun.

Simple Science Ideas to Try at Home

Parents and carers can bring science into daily routines with ease. Here are some fun, low-cost activities to enjoy together:

• Sink or Float Challenge – gather a mix of household objects (a feather, a coin, a sponge, a plastic lid) and test what happens in water.

• Colour Magic – mix food colouring in clear cups or try painting with ice cubes coloured with water-based paint.

• Frozen Treasures – freeze small toys in an ice block and explore different ways to set them free.

• Nature Treasures – go for a walk and collect sticks, shells, or stones; compare their shapes, weights, and textures.

• Shadow Fun – use a torch or sunlight to create shadow animals on the wall or track how shadows change during the day.

• Sound Science – fill glasses with different amounts of water, tap them gently with a spoon, and listen to the different notes they make.

Why Science Matters in the Early Years

Engaging with science at a young age helps children develop curiosity, resilience, and critical thinking. They start to see themselves as investigators — asking questions, trying things out, and learning from what happens. These are skills that go far beyond science, supporting their confidence and creativity throughout school and life.

At our nursery, we see science as wonder in action. Every “how?” and every “what if?” is an opportunity to grow curious, confident learners who love exploring the world around them.