2care2teach4kids
  • Home
  • About
  • Resources
    • Records & Data >
      • Child Info Forms
      • Assessment Forms
      • Progress Reports Learning Portfolios
    • Communication >
      • Parent Notes
      • Calendars
      • Newsletters
    • Curriculum Supplements >
      • Theme Enhancements
    • Learning Environment >
      • Classroom Management
      • Learning Centers
      • Classroom Decor
  • Outdoor and Nature-Based Learning
    • Research
    • Program Models
    • Instructional Practices >
      • Educator Role >
        • Getting Started
      • Curriculum >
        • Whole-Child
        • Program Characteristics Infants Toddlers
      • Observation and Assessment
      • Learning Environment and Materials >
        • Learning With Natural Materials
      • Diverstiy, Equity, and Inclusion
    • Implementation >
      • Safety and Risk
      • Equipment and Gear >
        • Gear List
      • Professional Development and Training
    • Environmental Literacy
    • Explorers Club
    • Reference List: The Outpost

Science Center

The science center provides opportunity for open-ended exploration and discovery. Children participate in making observations, experimenting, and drawing conclusions. All areas of learning are integrated into this center.

 Goals:
  • explore new topics of interest
  • learn about the natural world
  • develop problem solving skills
  • encourage WONDER & CURIOSITY
  • practice observation skills using five sense
  • learn about cause and effect
  • making predictions
  • learn basic science concepts
  • enhance early math and literacy skills
Area:
A science area can be set up pretty much anywhere. Space next to a window would provide light for different science activities. Consider hanging low shelves on the wall or placing a shelf unit in this area for books or other science items. If you will be performing actual experiments in this center a nearby water source is ideal. 

Equipment:

The equipment you need for this area depends on the kinds of activities you wish to offer.  You may want to have a display table, aquarium, and various clear containers for specimens. A work table for exploration is a must!

Supplies: (Download a printable science supply list)

Stock your science/discovery area with anything you can find that deals with science, exploring the senses, and the natural world. Decide how you will display items, some programs have them out all the time other choose to rotate items relevant to their units of study. Other things to include:
  • Magnifying Glasses
  • Safety Goggles
  • Balances
  • Tweezers
  • Pipettes
  • Science Journals
  • Writing Tools- for recording observations
  • Nature Items - rocks, feathers, birds nests, eggs, wasp hives, shells, seeds etc.
  • Seasonal Items- apples, pumpkins, leaves, snow, ice, flowers, etc.
  • Small Pets- hamsters, snakes, mice, fish, etc.
  • Physical Science Items- Magnets, Slinkies, Ramps, Pendulums
  • Sensory Tubes- Color change tubes, wave bottles, sound shakers
Download the files below to help you plan and implement a successful Science Center!
Science Area Sign.pdf
File Size: 218 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

science_supply_list.pdf
File Size: 413 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

science_journal.pdf
File Size: 35 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Tips:
Small collections of nature items are a great addition to a science center. Shells, leaves, rocks, seeds, are all great things to have available to you children for exploring. Often times dollar stores have magnifying glasses, kaleidoscopes, Slinkies, and other fun things that make a nice addition to the science area and they don't cost too much!
Picture
Founded in 1996 by Kelly Kazeck
as a resource for early childhood educators.

Connect on Social Media

© COPYRIGHT 1996-2026. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.                                                                        Terms of Use | Disclosure Statement | Privacy Policy |Credits
  • Home
  • About
  • Resources
    • Records & Data >
      • Child Info Forms
      • Assessment Forms
      • Progress Reports Learning Portfolios
    • Communication >
      • Parent Notes
      • Calendars
      • Newsletters
    • Curriculum Supplements >
      • Theme Enhancements
    • Learning Environment >
      • Classroom Management
      • Learning Centers
      • Classroom Decor
  • Outdoor and Nature-Based Learning
    • Research
    • Program Models
    • Instructional Practices >
      • Educator Role >
        • Getting Started
      • Curriculum >
        • Whole-Child
        • Program Characteristics Infants Toddlers
      • Observation and Assessment
      • Learning Environment and Materials >
        • Learning With Natural Materials
      • Diverstiy, Equity, and Inclusion
    • Implementation >
      • Safety and Risk
      • Equipment and Gear >
        • Gear List
      • Professional Development and Training
    • Environmental Literacy
    • Explorers Club
    • Reference List: The Outpost