Igniting Curiosity
National Science Week | 9-17 August 2025
Igniting Curiosity: Celebrating National Science Week in Early Learning Centres
Every year in August, educators, families, and communities celebrate National Science Week – Australia’s annual celebration of science and technology. It’s a chance to spark curiosity, inspire discovery, and celebrate science at every age – especially in the early years.
At STEP4, we believe curiosity drives learning. That’s why we support educators in creating thoughtful spaces and providing hands-on resources that inspire exploration, play, and big questions.
Across early learning centres, classrooms are turning into mini science labs – proving that science is everywhere, and it’s seriously fun!
1. Why Science Matters in the Early Years
Young children are natural scientists—curious, observant, and full of questions. National Science Week is the perfect time to turn that curiosity into fun, hands-on learning.
Science play builds thinking skills, supports language development, and helps children understand patterns and how things work. It also boosts motor skills as they pour, scoop, mix, and explore with their hands.
Most importantly, science encourages problem-solving and creativity. Children learn to experiment, make predictions, and try again – just like real scientists!
2. Creating Little Explorers: Ways to Celebrate Science in the Classroom
You don’t need high-tech equipment to bring science to life. Some of the best discoveries start with simple materials, open minds, and lots of imagination. By pairing engaging activities with thoughtfully selected resources, educators can turn Science Week into a celebration of exploration that lasts all year long.
🌱 Mini Garden Scientists
Let children plant seeds and track their growth with drawings or photo journals. Watch the excitement as little sprouts appear and talk about what plants need to thrive. Bonus points for worm investigations! Try it with: STEP4’s Super Gardening Set
🌈 Rainbow Magic (a.k.a. Colour Mixing)
Set up colour mixing stations with water, droppers, and food colouring. It’s not just mesmerizing – it’s also a great way to introduce chemical reactions and properties of liquids. Try it with: STEP4’s Science & Discovery Ultimate Class Pack
🔍 Sink or Float?
Fill a tub with water and gather a variety of objects – pinecones, stones, blocks, leaves, and plastic toys. Let children predict which items will sink or float, then test their theories. Try it with: STEP4’s Clear Sand & Water Tray
🌲 Nature Discovery Walk
Head outside for a mini science safari! Encourage children to collect natural treasures – feathers, bark, flowers, and bugs. Use magnifying glasses to take a closer look and talk about what they find. Try it with: STEP4’s Little Explorers Kit
🧲 Magnet Mania
Give children a tray of items and a magnet – what sticks and what doesn’t? Simple, yet mind-blowing for young learners just starting to explore invisible forces. Try it with: STEP4’s Magnetic Wands
🫧 Fizzy Fun
Create some fizzy fun with a simple mix of baking soda and vinegar. Add food colouring or glitter for an extra wow-factor! Children can help measure, pour, and observe the bubbling reactions. Try it with: STEP4’s Jumbo Measuring Pipettes
3. Creating Science-Rich Learning Environments
You don’t need a lab to create a space where science thrives – just a few thoughtful touches that invite wonder and hands-on discovery.
Here are some simple ways to set up engaging, science-rich spaces in your early learning centre:
Keep it Visible & Accessible: Use clear containers, low open shelving, and labelled trays to make materials easy to see and reach. This promotes independence and encourages children to explore freely.
Add Visual Prompts & Real Tools: Display real-world items like magnifying glasses, seed packets, or x-rays alongside photos, diagrams, and mirrors to prompt questions and investigations.
Choose Tactile, Child-Safe Materials: Fill baskets with natural objects, sensory materials, and simple tools like pipettes, droppers, and tweezers. Let children lead the way through touch, experimentation, and play.
By creating inviting spaces with the right mix of structure and freedom, you’re giving children the tools – and the confidence to explore like true scientists.
4. Shop Science at Step4
Ready to bring more discovery into your learning space? Our science-focused resources are thoughtfully selected to spark curiosity, support group learning, and make science fun and accessible for every age.
Here’s a peek at what you’ll find:
🧪 STEM Learning Kits – Hands-on kits designed to explore concepts like magnetism, motion, and simple chemistry.
👥 Bulk Packs – Perfect for group experiments and sensory stations, with enough materials for everyone to get involved.
🌿 Nature & Environment Collections – Encourage outdoor exploration with tools and kits that connect children to the natural world.
🔍 Magnification & Observation Tools – From bug viewers to child-safe microscopes, help children see the world up close.
👉 Browse our Science Range
Science isn’t just a once-a-year celebration – it’s a way of thinking, exploring, and learning that belongs in early childhood every day. By embracing everyday science opportunities, educators help children develop curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong love of discovery.
At STEP4, we’re proud to support early learning centres with quality, resources that make meaningful, hands-on learning easy and accessible. Together, let’s keep inspiring little scientists – today and every day.
Tags: learning activities, play-based learning, transition to school
