Why Unschoolers Play in the Mud and Call it Science

I once read an unschooling critic sneer, "Unschoolers will play in the mud and call it science." The laughter that followed echoed a shallow understanding of learning.

But, let’s pause and consider: when a child plays in the mud, are they merely dirtying their hands? Or are they engaging in the profound process of discovery?

When a child mixes dirt and water, they experiment with consistency and texture, observing how the two materials transform. This tactile experience lays the foundation for understanding states of matter, cause-and-effect, and the basics of chemistry.

As they dig and shape the earth, they might notice water flowing through the mud, unintentionally learning about erosion, weathering, and even fluid dynamics—concepts far beyond the textbook.

Their hands might uncover worms, beetles, and other small creatures. This is their first introduction to ecosystems and the intricate roles these organisms play in sustaining life. The simple act of unearthing life leads to questions about habitats, soil health, and the interconnectedness of all living things. Each layer of soil tells a story—different textures, colors, and compositions revealing secrets about the earth beneath our feet.

As these children grow, their muddy explorations evolve into deeper inquiries. They may find themselves researching the creatures they once unearthed, watching videos on how to build a water filtration system, asking questions that lead to fascinating discoveries, or maybe just enjoying the simplicity of playing in the mud. Sometimes, it’s not about where the play leads—it’s about the joy and presence found in the act itself. Simply playing in the mud, feeling the texture between their fingers, and creating without a goal in mind is just as meaningful.

The point is that what began as play becomes a springboard for independent research, critical inquiry, and self-directed learning—whether applied to mud or something entirely different.

The beauty of this learning lies in its authenticity. For unschoolers, there’s no artificial separation between play and education. Their science isn’t sanitized or prepackaged—it’s messy, real, and deeply connected to the world around them.

Yet, for those fixated on traditional pedagogy of instruction through a rigid six-step method, where learning is confined to predetermined experiments, memorized procedures, and evaluated for grades, this approach can seem laughable. After all, how can something as simple as mud rival the structured experiments of a school science lab?

But there’s a deeper question worth asking: what is the ultimate goal of education? Is it to memorize facts or to foster curiosity? To complete assignments or to cultivate the ability to ask meaningful questions?

The irony is that with that attitude, you miss the living, breathing science happening in real-time. The kind of free exploration that fosters the very skills schools claim to value: critical thinking, creativity, and a growth mindset.

When children are free to explore without the constraints of rubrics and tests, they develop a sense of ownership over their learning—one that extends far beyond any classroom walls.

So, when you scoff at how unschoolers "play in the mud and call it science," remember—not only are they indulging in science; they are building pathways to deeper understanding, lifelong curiosity, and a passion for learning that will guide them far beyond the mud.