I had been sitting for some time with Kaarin(4 years) at the science table. She had shown a sustained interest in exploring and experimenting with a range of materials. However, her rich descriptions of mixing oil and water were interupted when Mick(5 years) joined us at the science table and sat between us. For Kaarin, Mick's"male' presence became a potential threat to being able to play with other girls Fiona(4 years) later in the day: