Inspiring Australia’s next generation of critical thinkers starts long before primary school - it starts with our early childhood educators.
Each year, National Science Week celebrates the vital role science plays in our lives and the people who inspire us to explore the unknown. This year’s theme, “Decoding the Universe: Exploring the unknown with nature’s hidden language”, invites Australians of all ages to discover the patterns, connections, and mysteries that shape our natural world.
While this theme is primarily aimed at schools, its essence is deeply relevant to early childhood education. At Affinity Education, we believe the journey of scientific discovery begins in the sandpit, during a nature walk, or with a simple question like, “What do you think will happen if we pour this here?”
Everyday Science, Big Thinking
You don’t need test tubes and whiteboards to teach science in the early years. You need time, space, and skilled educators who know how to spark curiosity.
Through our Lifelong Learning Curriculum, educators create environments where children are encouraged to explore, observe, question, and experiment. Our Big Thinkers STEM program, embedded in our preschool and kindergarten rooms, equips children with the tools and language to:
- Test ideas
- Investigate change
- Build confidence in their thinking
Whether a toddler is stacking blocks to build the tallest tower or a kindergarten child is watching rainwater flow through a gutter, they’re not “just playing”, they’re decoding how the world works.
The Role of the Educator
Our educators shape how children experience science, not as a subject, but as a way of thinking. They:
- Encourage curiosity and creativity
- Ask open-ended questions
- Support risk-taking and persistence
- Celebrate the process, not just the “right” answer
- Help children connect what they see to what they wonder
These approaches lay the foundation for critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovation - skills that will support children for life.
Science Week in Our Centres
Across Affinity Education centres, educators are embracing National Science Week with experiences that bring nature, movement, and investigation into focus. Some examples include:
- Volcano eruptions in the sandpit
- Colour mixing experiments in art spaces
- Sensory tables exploring textures and materials
- Garden explorations to observe growth and change
These activities are thoughtfully designed to suit each child’s developmental stage, nurturing curiosity, observation, and collaboration. And the best part? They’re not limited to one week! These inquiry-driven moments are part of everyday life in our centres.
Why Science in the Early Years Matters
Early exposure to science builds more than factual knowledge - it fosters a mindset of exploration, resilience, and creativity. When children learn to ask “what if?” and test their ideas, they’re developing skills that extend far beyond the classroom.
For educators, it’s a chance to see the world through fresh eyes and play an active role in shaping the innovators of tomorrow.
A Thank You to Our Educators
National Science Week is a reminder that science is everywhere, and discovery starts early. The dedication of our early childhood educators is laying the foundation for the next generation of scientists, engineers, artists, and change-makers.
Thank you for asking the big questions, for welcoming mess and wonder, and for helping children make sense of the world one discovery at a time.
Explore Your Future with Affinity Education
If you’re passionate about sparking curiosity and supporting children’s learning, a career in early childhood education could be your calling. At Affinity Education, we provide:
- Award-winning professional development through the Affinity Learning Academy
- Opportunities to specialise in STEM and inquiry-based learning
- A supportive, purpose-led team environment
Discover Careers at Affinity Education and start your journey as an educator shaping Australia’s future thinkers.