Aboard the helicopter: from adult science to early years (and back)

Watts, M. and Salehjee, S. (2020) Aboard the helicopter: from adult science to early years (and back). Early Child Development and Care, 190(1), pp. 21-29. (doi: 10.1080/03004430.2019.1653550)

Abstract

This paper links early foundations in science for young children to the eventual achievement of science literacy for adults. There are five key arguments being made: (i) the early-years foundation stage (EYFS) specialists need to have a view for exactly what foundations are being laid in classrooms; (ii) that they all need to be – minimally – scientifically literate, despite the variety of definitions of that term; (iii) becoming scientifically literate is a long-term process of engaging with and developing an interest in ‘matters scientific’ that are easily available in the public domain; (iv) that there is a plethora of informal learning opportunities in science across the UK to foster adult engagement, and (v) taking a ‘helicopter view’ on occasions helps shape planning and processes in the nursery/ reception school classroom. To illuminate this, we offer two examples from materials science that grow out of traditional block play, and from all things plastic.

• Item Type: Articles
• Keywords: Early years science, science education, learning opportunities.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Salehjee, Dr Saima
• Authors: Watts, M., and Salehjee, S.
• College/School: College of Social Sciences > School of Social & Environmental Sustainability
• Journal Name: Early Child Development and Care
• Publisher: Taylor & Francis
• ISSN: 0300-4430
• ISSN (Online): 1476-8275
• Published Online: 18 September 2019
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2019 The Authors
• First Published: First published in Early Child Development and Care 190(1): 21-29
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License