Chapter 12 provides insight into the large amount of science learning that can occur through informal experiences. Informal experiences relate to those that happen outside formal educational settings, such as family settings, museums, zoos and natural locations. As learning in these environments is free choice, children tend to be more motivated and interested in learning than in formal educational settings. This chapter describes the importance of informal experiences in the learning of science, the funds of knowledge that families share with their children, the rich and diverse cultural and linguistic science experiences that children bring to their educational settings, and the importance of the EC professional acknowledging and using children’s and families’ funds of knowledge in developing science learning experiences.

Chapter 15 highlights the role of an intentional, purposeful EC professional. It provides ideas and examples of how they can plan for and teach children through their individual and collective learning experiences. The chapter highlights the important place of verbal scaffolding and lesson planning. The components of a lesson plan are described and illustrated.

Chapter 6 introduces scientific inquiry in the early years. This chapter describes the inquiry-based approach to learning science, where children are actively involved in finding the answers to questions. The scientific inquiry process of identifying and posing questions; planning, conducting and reflecting on activities and investigations; processing, modelling and analysing data; evauluating evidence, and communicating findings is presented. The following science inquiry activities that can be used with young children are described: observation, observation and measurement over time, classification, skills activities, research activities, conducting a survey, exploration activities and fair test investigation. Various case studies demonstrate these activities.

Chapter 14 explores the planning required for effective science teaching and learning. Whole-school or whole-centre planning and term planning are presented. The 5Es model (Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate and Evaluate) is introduced and demonstrated to illustrate the constructivist approach to developing science programs. Early learning centre planning is described, emphasising the importance of an emergent curriculum. The importance of planning a science-rich learning environment to support young children’s scientific learning is also noted.

Chapter 1 starts with examples of typical child-instigated explorations in science, highlighting the importance of EC education as a whole and of developmental and cognitive psychology. This chapter describes children’s wonder and curiosity towards the world as it outlines what science looks like in the early years. As part of the definition of science, the chapter introduces conceptual, procedural and attitudinal science knowledge, and looks at how these relate to young children’s learning of science.

Chapter 10 explores how young children’s science identity can be enhanced when thoughtful pedagogy is provided by the EC professional. The first part of this chapter presents the definitions of science identity and pedagogy, followed by an exploration of the relationship between EC professional beliefs and what they teach. The second half of the chapter presents two case studies to illustrate pedagogical practices associated with the learning and teaching of science with young children, using play as a medium, in order to enhance their science identity.

Finally, Chapter 17 refers to an important aspect of the role of any EC professional – ongoing professional learning. This chapter discusses reflective practice and critical reflection as a means of ensuring that EC professionals review and monitor their own practice and understand how this practice affects children’s learning outcomes. Tools such as reflective journals and professional portfolios are discussed. The theoretical aspects of EC professionals’ pedagogical content knowledge, content knowledge and pedagogical knowledge are explored.