Science in Early Childhood

This chapter provides an overview of the Australian Curriculum: Science, with particular reference to the early years of schooling. The chapter starts with a brief outline of the history of the Australian Curriculum. It then describes the three science strands of Science Understanding (SU), Science as Human Endeavour (SHE) and Science Inquiry Skills (SIS), and considers how these should be woven together to provide a framework for developing experiential, connected and sequential science learning experiences for children in the early years. The seven general capabilities (literacy, numeracy, information and communication technology, critical and creative thinking, ethical understanding, personal and social capability, and intercultural understanding) and three cross-curriculum priorities (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures, Asia and Australia’s Engagement with Asia, and Sustainability) are presented. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders science elaborations are also introduced. Various case studies provide an insight into how the Australian Curriculum: Science can be implemented through connection to nature, citizen science and place-based education.