Early explorations in science

Early years education has become firmly established as an important part of education. This second edition celebrates good scientific practice in the early years, that is, with children up to 8 years of age.

It aims to: support good practice in developing scientific understanding, skills and attitudes in the early years (0 to 8 years of age) help early years practitioners to be creative providers and develop awe and wonder of the world in children they teach be accessible support for those practitioners involved in the effective delivery of the curriculum for the Foundation Stage of Learning and Key Stage 1.

The book explores issues such as the range, nature and philosophical underpinning of early years experiences and the development of emergent scientific skills, understandings and attitudes.

It also considers how practitioners can develop creative scientific experiences and support children in their early scientific explorations. New features for the second edition a focus on the development of early skills the importance of play in early development the importance of skilled interaction with well-trained adults the importance of informal learning (pre-school and home) the importance of a motivating learning environment.

The book has been made more relevant for a range of practitioners concerned with the care and education of young children. It also is relevant for modern curricular changes, linking with the Foundation Curriculum for 3-5 year olds and the National Curriculum 2000 for 5-8 year olds. Throughout new research and thinking in early years and science education have been introduced and discussed, making the edition relevant for current practice.