Science in the Early Years at Minster

Encouraging curiosity, exploration and a love of discovering how the world works

Science in the Early Years at Minster is all about hands‑on exploration, noticing changes, asking questions and making sense of the world. Through play, outdoor learning and exciting practical experiences, children develop the early scientific thinking skills they will build on throughout their school journey.

Our EYFS curriculum introduces children to key scientific ideas through themes that feel relevant, meaningful and engaging.

What Science Looks Like in EYFS

🌦 Seasonal Changes

Across the year, children learn to notice how the world changes with the seasons. They explore:

• Weather patterns
• Day length
• Seasonal clothing
• How plants and animals change across the year

Children talk about what they see, feel and experience, developing vocabulary and observation skills.

🧍‍♂️ Animals Including Humans – All About Me

Children explore themselves and the human body through:

• Learning about body parts
• Talking about senses
• Understanding what humans need to stay healthy (sleep, food, exercise)
• Exploring similarities and differences between themselves and others

This builds early foundations for biology and understanding living things.

🧪 Materials and “Changing Materials”

Through hands‑on investigation, children explore:

• Different types of materials (wood, metal, plastic, fabric)
• How materials feel and what they are used for
• How materials change (melting, freezing, heating, cooling)
• Simple classification — hard/soft, rough/smooth, waterproof/not waterproof

These activities encourage prediction, comparison and scientific language.

🌱 Plants and the Natural World

Children learn about:

• What plants need to grow
• How plants change over time
• Seeds, bulbs, flowers and trees
• Living things in their natural habitats

They explore our outdoor spaces, forest areas and garden, observing nature up close.

🐾 Living Things and Their Habitats

Children discover:

• The difference between living, dead and never alive
• How animals survive in their environments
• Where minibeasts, birds and mammals live
• Simple food chains

Outdoor learning is central — children investigate real habitats such as logs, bushes, trees and soil.

How Science Links to Development Matters

Our Early Years science experiences closely reflect the Understanding the World area of Development Matters. Children learn to:

🔍 Make Observations

• Notice patterns and changes in the world around them
• Talk about what they see, hear and feel

🧠 Ask and Answer Questions

• Why does ice melt?
• Which material is waterproof?
• What happens if we plant a seed without water?

🗣 Build Scientific Vocabulary

Children learn words such as grow, change, melt, freeze, light, dark, habitat, alive, material, and many more.

🌍 Understand the Natural World

• Explore weather and seasons
• Learn about plants and animals
• Recognise differences in environments

These skills are the foundations of scientific enquiry.

How EYFS Science Prepares Children for Year 1

By the end of Reception, children will have the confidence and knowledge to begin the Year 1 science curriculum. They will have developed:

✔ Early enquiry skills

Observing closely, identifying, sorting, describing and comparing.

✔ Understanding of key scientific ideas

• Seasonal changes
• Simple materials
• Plants
• Animals including humans

✔ Curiosity and confidence

Children are encouraged to explore, test their ideas and enjoy discovering how things work.

✔ Foundational vocabulary

Children begin Year 1 ready to use scientific words with increasing accuracy.

✔ Positive habits for learning

They ask questions naturally, notice small details and enjoy practical investigation — all essential for KS1 science.

Our Vision for Science in EYFS

We want every child to:

🌟 Be curious and confident investigators
🌟 Enjoy hands‑on exploration and discovery
🌟 Notice and talk about the world around them
🌟 Develop strong foundations for scientific thinking
🌟 Begin their journey as young scientists with excitement

Science in the Early Years at Minster is lively, practical and full of awe and wonder — inspiring children to ask questions and explore the world with enthusiasm.