Curiosity about how the world works is a vital part of childhood development, driving exploration, problem-solving, and critical thinking. At the heart of this natural curiosity lies Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths – collectively known as STEM. These subjects help children develop essential skills such as logical reasoning, experimentation, and analysis, laying the foundation for future learning and discovery.
An important addition to this framework is Art, transforming STEM into STEAM. The inclusion of Art nurtures creativity, imagination, and innovation, encouraging children to think beyond conventional solutions and explore new possibilities. By blending analytical thinking with artistic expression, STEAM education fosters well-rounded, adaptable learners who can approach challenges with both logic and creativity.
I started teaching basic STEM concepts to my 9-month-old son 10 years ago and was amazed at how engaged he was. Visiting friends were fascinated seeing a baby performing science experiments and wanted their children to participate. I started hosting groups of pre-school children and their parents in my kitchen every week, as we explored colours, fizzes, and pops. This became a regular event, offered to my local community for free.
During lockdown, sessions moved online, opening my work to a broader audience around the UK and internationally.
I believe that science is vital to us as a nation, and getting very young children involved in science is an exciting approach, as the 0-6 age group are at the most curious of all stages – and science and all aspects of science, including art – fulfil that natural curiosity.
Children at this stage learn best through play. Toddler and early years STEM is all about discovering and exploring scientific concepts in a very messy and colourful environment full of interesting sounds and smells.
Doing experiments and STEM with young children is a huge learning experience for all the adults involved as well.
My sessions are entirely child-led, giving children the freedom to play, explore, and experiment in a safe and supportive environment. Rather than focusing on a single “right” answer, I encourage different approaches to problem-solving, helping children think creatively and develop independent thinking skills.
Above all, my goal is to make STEM (or STEAM) an enjoyable and engaging experience for both children and adults. I often remind people that science is all around us – it belongs to everyone. Instead of fearing it, we should embrace it with the same excitement and curiosity that a child has for a favourite toy.
Here is an experiment that I thought you could try with your young charges in an early years setting or at home, it’s called a coloured shadow and light experiment. It’s great fun and the children at my sessions love it!
Ask your children to gather around. They could either sit around the table or stand. I always find being flexible with seating arrangements makes for more enjoyable experiences for children and their caregivers.
Once they are settled, you could maybe start by discussing shadows, ask them if they have made hand shadows against a wall with a torch. You could also explain that shadows are created when light falls on a solid object. Shadows can be lengthened or shortened by the direction of the light. If it’s a sunny day, you could take the children outside and ask them if they can spot their shadows on the ground.
Then explain that you are going to show them how to make coloured shadows.
For this experiment, you will need translucent objects, such as coloured cellophane paper or magnetic tiles and a torch or sunlight.
Hold or dangle different coloured cellophane squares against a light background, and shine a torch behind it, the shadows that are created will be in colour.
If it’s a sunny day, ask the children to stack or build with magnetic tiles on a windowsill and observe the colours on the floor. You could give the children some paper and paints and they could paint the colours that fall on the paper.
We’ve been lucky enough to partner with Sandra for our upcoming webinar on 9th April 2025 at 10:30am, be sure to secure your place now! ‘Discover The Magic Of STEM In Early Years’.
