Over the past couple of weeks, our EYFS class has been busy exploring “The Big STEM Ideas” through hands-on investigations, problem-solving, and lots of exciting discoveries.
Forces
We explored how objects move using different forces — push, pull, roll, slide, and stop. The children experimented with cars, ramps, and everyday objects, predicting what might happen and then testing their ideas.
Motion
The children investigated movement by observing fast and slow, how things start and stop, and how objects can change direction. They built ramps and bridges for their cars, then held races to see whose car would travel the furthest, discussing why some went faster or further than others.
Materials
We explored a variety of materials and described them using new vocabulary such as strong, weak, waterproof, and bendy. After testing different materials, the children designed and built their own boats to see if they would float. They carefully chose materials, tested their boats in water, and talked about what worked well and what could be improved.
Design & Testing
Throughout the activities, the children followed an important engineering process:
build → test → change → try again
They showed fantastic resilience, learning that it is okay if something does not work the first time and that improvements can be made.
Cause & Effect
We encouraged curiosity by asking questions such as “What happens if…?” The children made predictions, observed outcomes, and explained their thinking — key skills for scientific learning.
Magnet Exploration
Our investigations also included magnets. The children explored the classroom to discover which objects were magnetic and which were not, sorting items and noticing patterns in what magnets attract.
The children demonstrated wonderful curiosity, creativity, teamwork, and perseverance throughout these investigations. We are incredibly proud of their enthusiasm for learning and their budding skills as young scientists and engineers!
