How Things Work
To develop curiosity about mechanisms and how things work.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Understanding the World
- Learning area: Understanding the World
- Level: EYFS 3-4
Objectives
- Shows curiosity about how things work
- Examines objects to understand them
- Notices cause and effect in mechanisms
- Experiments with simple machines
Materials
- Old electronics and gadgets to take apart (safely)
- Cogs, wheels, and simple machines
- Pulleys and levers
- Construction materials
Instructions
Set up a 'How Things Work' investigation area with objects to explore. Include old clocks, keyboards, phones with batteries removed, and other safe items to examine.
Model curiosity: 'I wonder what's inside this old clock? Let's open it up and find out!' Use child-safe tools to carefully explore internal mechanisms.
Observe and discuss: 'Look at all these tiny parts! See these cog wheels? When one turns, it makes the other turn too!' Let children manipulate parts and observe cause and effect.
Connect to everyday life: 'When you turn the tap, water comes out. How do you think that works?' Encourage children to wonder about mechanisms around them.
Provide simple machines for hands-on exploration. 'This is a pulley. Watch what happens when I pull this rope—the bucket goes up!' Let children experiment with levers, ramps, and pulleys.
Challenge children to build their own simple machines. 'Can you build something that moves when you push or pull?' Value their inventions and encourage explanation.