Why teach science in the Foundation Stage

The Foundation Stage is the period from aged three to the end of the reception year (5 year olds). The Early Learning Goals set out what is expected for most children by the end of the Foundation Stage. There are 6 areas of learning:

• Personal, social and emotional development
• Communication, language and literacy
• Mathematical development
• Physical development
• Creative development
• Knowledge and understanding of the world.

Science is part of 'Knowledge and Understanding of the World'.

Why teach science in the Foundation Stage?

• Young children show scientific behaviour before they enter the Foundation Stage.
• They observe, talk, ask questions and use trial and error to try to explain things around them.
• These 'every day' explanations are not always 'scientific'.
• Children can have difficulties learning science later if these ideas are not replaced by more helpful ones.
• Science activities in the Foundation Stage help the way children's ideas are formed.

A high standard of science teaching in the Foundation Stage is vitally important.