The author explores how using a child-centered approach to learning and a familiar context can help develop understanding. The placement school referenced in this article had an ethos that emphasized a child-centred approach, the importance of children being involved in every aspect of their learning. The author also shows that the school set a very broad learning aim, developing the children's understanding of nutrition. The children were allowed to contribute their own ideas, to explore, and to take a personal interest in their own learning. The author highlights the importance placed on the teacher leading a science lesson, who found it interesting to take a step back and allow the children to have the freedom to make their own decisions.