Celebrating Science Through Play: Early STEM Exploration at Playgroup

As part of National Science Week, our community playgroup will be delivering a special session designed to introduce young children (ages 0–5) to the wonders of science through sensory-rich, play-based learning. We recognise that the foundations for scientific thinking begin in early childhood through curiosity, exploration and experimentation.

During this session, children will engage in open-ended activities that spark inquiry and discovery, including:

• Potions Play: Mixing coloured water, shaving cream, and a range of safe household materials to observe cause and effect, changes in texture, and colour mixing.

• Fizzing Reactions: Hands-on experiments with vinegar and bicarbonate of soda to explore basic chemical reactions in a safe and exciting way.

• Sensory Science: Opportunities to explore materials using their senses, promoting observation, prediction and early hypothesis-making in an age-appropriate context.

Families will also be provided with ideas to extend science exploration at home.