Science and Technology for the Early Years: Purposeful Play Activities

Well-planned play opportunities enable young children to learn and develop. This book is divided into two sections. The first contains ideas on how to design resource areas to stimulate purposeful play. The second contains 120 planned science and technology activities divided into the following chapters: All about people; Changing materials (food); Animals; Variety of materials; Plants, leaves and flowers; Light and colours; The outdoor environment; Sound; Exploring materials; Movement and forces; Joining materials; Electricity The activities are clearly laid-out with the Purpose, Resources and Safety points given, as well as 'Challenges', which can be used to provide a focal point for each activity. Assessment is an integral part of the book and the activities are linked to the seven areas of learning and development and the Early Learning Goals of the revised Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage (September 2012), as well as to the National Curriculum for Science in Key Stage 1, to provide a smooth transition for children as they move from the Foundation Stage to Year 1.