Science Center Blog Hop!

I am participating in Pre-K Partner's Learning Centers Blog Hop.  This time we are exploring the science center.  I love, love, love teaching science to my preschoolers.  To see the wonderment and amazement on their faces is priceless.  It's almost magical in their eyes!

In my classroom, I have an area that houses a light table and two water/sensory tables.

All are portable, so if needed they can be easily moved to the center of the room when we are doing a large group activity.

 In addition to the larger items, I have really been trying to invest in STEM activities.
For example....

This magnetic ramp set is one of the favorite center time activities.  It is also one of my favorite items to observe my learners trying to figure out exactly what needs to be done to get wheels to roll down the ramps and drop into the tray below.  There is lots of predicting, observing, adjusting going on!  Plus, the joy on their faces once they figure it out is just priceless!

Speaking of joy, magnets are some of the most inexpensive and amazing items to have in your science center!  Again, we see hypothesizing, predicting, and observing going on.

This little guy was sorting magnetic vs. non-magnetic items when he came up with the theory that magnetic items were usually metal.  Pretty smart for a four year old!

I have lots of 'toy' tubs available for students to build items such as vehicles,

houses,

 and bridges.

I also have Magna Tiles (another favorite item).

And, Magna Tiles on the light table...

even cooler!

Teaching science to preschoolers is a natural thing.  So many things we do every day involve science.  For instance, while learning colors I will introduce color mixing two primary colors.  We observe the weather every day during circle time and recess.  Children are naturally curious and want to explore the world around them.  Early childhood science involves the process of inquiry—theorizing, hands- on investigation, and discussion.

A must in my science center/classroom would be the following:

• magnets
• magnifying glasses
• sink or float items
• food coloring or liquid paint, along with a clear pitcher or jar to observe color mixing
• magnetic and non-magnetic items
• items from the world around us, such as: rocks, shells, sticks, leaves, nests, plants/flowers, etc
• pipettes
• coffee filters
• ice cube trays
• paint
• construction paper
• paper to record results of experiments or journals
• blocks/cars to build ramps
• sensory table/tub materials like, oatmeal, sand, beans
• measuring cups

Items that are not necessary, but nice to have would include:

• water/sensory table
• light table
• Magna Tiles
• STEM materials available through stores like Lakeshore

With encouragement from the teacher, children discover and explore the world around them.  It is the teachers role's to provide hands on activities where children are engaged in the process of inquiry, theorizing, hands- on investigation, and discussion.

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