Teaching Science, Design and Technology in the Early Years

This book gives teachers, student teachers and other Early Years practitioners a clear understanding of how science and design and technology contributes to children's learning. It will help teachers make more focused, diagnostic observations of young children's play by identifying the scientific and design concepts, skills and attitudes being developed. It gives clear guidance for planning experiences and interventions that will help move the children forward in their learning within specific areas of the foundation stage curriculum, while giving a critical insight into the implications of this approach for teaching and learning and assessment in Key Stage 1 and beyond.

It includes a focus on young children's learning, covering what we know from research about how young children learn and the centrality of their early scientific and designing/making experiences to this learning. The authors also present case studies of successful Early Years practice in science and design and technology; examples of practical planning for learning, written by Early Years practitioners; an analysis of the contribution of Science and Design and Technology towards meeting the Early Learning Goals; and advice for adults working in different Early Years settings.

Founded on both research and first hand experience, this practical and accessible book demonstrates how scientific and designing/making activities are natural to young children, and have the potential for contributing to all aspects of their learning.

Alan Howe and Dan Davies are Senior Lecturers in Primary Education at Bath Spa University College.