STEM learning for preschoolers in Sydney's Inner West

There is the expectant gurgle of excitement from the group of preschoolers donning little white science lab coats in the foyer of a building in Summer Hill.

Given most are under five, there is much rolling up of sleeves to facilitate access for little arms and hands, before kindly instruction to follow the rainbow on the floor, as the group prepare to enter Australia's first purpose built education hub for preschoolers, to encourage learning in science, technology, engineering and maths, known as STEM.

"A four-year-old on average, can ask between 200 and 300 questions a day; they just want to understand how everything works," advises Jennifer Weston, the Head of Operation at the Orbit Centre of Imagination.

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Broken into zones of learning, pre-schoolers can get their hands on woodwork tools, or don goggles in the science lab to test chemicals that can help dissolve ice.

"Every zone has a unique focus, that they can picked up a couple of concepts from," says Marianne Zaki, who along with husband Edward, started the kindergarten chain six years ago, and who have created the Orbit concept.

"One day, they'll want to sit and research what they've learnt here," says Marianne.

"Are you trying to plant a seed here for science?" I enquire, as the kids take turns lightly stroking a Central Bearded Dragon, cradled in the hands of their guide Miss Tabby.

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"Absolutely," says Marianne.

"That is entirely the concept; planting that seed and fuelling inquisitive knowledge."

Little Leon sparks up, as if to confirm Marianne's ethos.

"What does he eat?" he genuinely probes.

"What a fantastic question, Leon," says Miss Tabby.

Crickets are apparently the Bearded Dragon's go to.

"They're little sponges, their brain is making a lot of connections at this age group," says Jenny.

"By the time children are five years old, they've actually have developed 90 per cent of their brain. Doing hands on experiences as learning through play, they're just learning so much."

But the real secret to the lessons is that while they may answer some questions, they create more in the minds of the tiny students.

And there is one other upside, this time for the parents.

"They go home very, very tired from all the excitement of the day," Jenny knowingly adds.