STEM exploration supports learning at The Learning Sanctuary Freshwater during National Science Week

National Science Week provided an opportunity for children and educators at The Learning Sanctuary Freshwater to further engage with STEM through a range of hands-on, inquiry-based experiences designed to foster exploration, creativity and problem-solving.

Across the early childhood education and care (ECEC) sector, events like National Science Week offer a platform for centres to spotlight the role of science, technology, engineering and mathematics in early learning. At The Learning Sanctuary Freshwater, these concepts are embedded in everyday practice, supporting children to engage meaningfully with the world around them.

Throughout the week, children participated in a series of experiences aimed at nurturing curiosity and developing foundational skills. These included constructing marble runs using LEGO and recycled materials, experimenting with cups and straws to test balance and weight, and exploring natural symmetry and patterns using leaves, stones and shells. In one activity, mirrors were used to observe cloud formations in the sky, prompting children to translate shapes and patterns into their own drawings.

The program was developed and facilitated by Early Childhood Teacher Skye and Centre Manager Lucy, whose planning drew on Outcome 4 of the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF). This learning outcome encourages educators to support children to become confident and involved learners, capable of investigating, experimenting and expressing ideas through active learning.

While National Science Week provided a thematic focus, the team at The Learning Sanctuary Freshwater notes that STEM is not limited to special occasions. Instead, it is embedded in the centre’s approach to curriculum, where children are encouraged to explore ideas through play-based, purposeful learning opportunities that reflect their interests and emerging understandings.

Educators reported that many of the activities sparked collaborative problem-solving and experimentation, with children adapting designs, testing new ideas and reflecting on outcomes in real time. Experiences were open-ended and flexible, offering multiple entry points for children with varying learning styles and developmental needs.

By using familiar materials and encouraging child-led investigation, educators aimed to ensure that the learning environment remained accessible and inclusive. The integration of natural elements, such as leaves and shells, also supported a connection to the outdoor environment, aligning with principles of sustainability and respect for nature.

Importantly, the week also highlighted the role of educator intentionality in STEM learning. Through careful questioning, observation and scaffolding, educators extended children’s thinking and vocabulary, linking experiences to broader concepts such as measurement, force, pattern and classification.

As the sector continues to prioritise play-based learning and curriculum alignment with the EYLF, examples such as those at The Learning Sanctuary Freshwater offer insight into how STEM learning can be delivered in a way that is developmentally appropriate, engaging and meaningful.

While the focus this week was on science, technology, engineering and mathematics, the broader objective remains consistent: to create environments where children can wonder, investigate, and build the skills they need for lifelong learning.