Simple Science Investigations
To develop curiosity and early scientific skills through hands-on investigations.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Understanding the World
- Learning area: Understanding the World
- Level: EYFS 2-3
Objectives
- Shows curiosity about the world by asking questions
- Makes simple predictions about what will happen
- Notices changes in experiments over time
- Uses senses to explore materials
Materials
- Water play with floating/sinking objects
- Colour mixing resources
- Planting materials and seeds
- Magnifying glasses and investigation tools
Instructions
Set up an investigation area with clear water in a transparent container and a collection of objects for floating and sinking. Include items that clearly float (cork, plastic ducks) and clearly sink (stones, metal spoons), as well as surprising items (lemons float, limes sink).
Gather the children and introduce the investigation with wonder: 'I wonder what will happen if we put this in the water? What do you think?' Accept all predictions without correction—this is about exploring, not right answers.
Let children drop objects in one at a time, observing carefully together. 'Look! The duck stayed on top—it's floating! What about this stone? Oh, it went to the bottom—it sank!' Use simple vocabulary consistently.
Encourage children to test their own predictions. 'You thought the apple would sink? Let's find out!' When their prediction matches the result, celebrate. When it doesn't, model curiosity: 'That's interesting! It floated. I wonder why?'
Extend investigations over time. Plant seeds and observe them daily: 'What do you notice today? Is it the same as yesterday?' Document changes with drawings and photos.
Connect investigations to children's questions. When a child asks 'Why is the sky blue?' or 'Where does the sun go at night?', explore together rather than giving quick answers. 'That's a brilliant question! Let's think about it together.'