7: Playful Science in the EYFS. Using Continuous Provision to Support Scientific Learning in Young Children

Science is a core subject in primary education but for some, takes a less prominent role in the EYFS, or at least in the supporting documentation and guidance. Although learning is holistic rather than subject driven for very young children, in reality practitioners and other providers are encouraged to think under areas of learning for both provision and assessment. It is important to know how different learning opportunities can be used to support the key areas of the curriculum. There is actually no mention of ‘science’ in the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage (Department for Education (DfE), 2018) instead, we have ‘understanding the world’ where ‘science’ shares space with ‘people and communities’ and ‘technology’. So, does that mean we don’t teach science in the Early Years? Well thankfully, on closer inspection we can find science in most areas of the Early Years and this chapter looks at how education practitioners can not only ‘find the science’ in the understanding the world and other areas of the EYFS but also encourage the development of science skills, knowledge and understanding through a play-based curriculum.