Science in early childhood education: are teachers set up to fail?

Abstract

Young children are, by nature, scientists. Watch any toddler tip a cup of water onto the floor, or a preschooler crouch down to inspect an ant carrying something three times its size, and you will see scientific investigation in action. Curiosity, observation, and a drive to understand how the world works. As early childhood professionals, we know this. We talk about it, we celebrate it, and we build it into our practice.