Science center materials and equipment
Science center materials need not be expensive. There are numerous everyday items, as well as commercial science center materials and equipment, available to teach children about science.
I found many of the items below, and on the following pages, at second hand stores and garage sales.
Educational learning materials are available for all the areas of the science curriculum, earth science, physical science and life science.
A variety of science materials encourage children:
- to build, create and design
- to actively explore, think and reason
- to identify problems
- to try possible solutions to problems
Science center materials pages:
Below on this page -Earth Science Resources
Page 2 - Physical Science Resources
Page 3 - Life Science Resources
Earth science - investigating features of the Earth and its atmosphere
Earth science is the study of the Earth and its materials. Students, as little Earth scientist detectives, are working towards sharing their observations about their immediate environment. They are learning about the characteristics of rocks, soil, water, and weather conditions in the community.
Item |
Ideas for use |
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SOLAR SYSTEMS |
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There are a number of solar systems available. This one requires a battery, and "speaks" a small amount of information about each planet. A solar system model helps children understand the relationship between the position of the Earth, its shadow, and the sun. It gives them an idea of the size of the Sun compared to the size of the planets. |
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Familiarize kids with all the planets, the moon and sun, as well as the asteroid belt with a large piece floor puzzle. |
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AIR |
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Having a small fan in the classroom provides opportunities for air experiments and helps children describe the properties of air. This one has blades that are bendable clear plastic. Children should always be supervised when using it. It also needs batteries. |
| Collect: | Feathers, paper of different weights |
Experiment with putting the items in front of the fan and observing how far they travel. This experiment also works with a hot air vent in a room. |
WEATHER |
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Pocket weather charts help children identify characteristics of each season. Children take turns observing the weather at the same time each day and recording their observations with the sturdy pieces. Compare and count rows at the end of a month, discuss more and fewer days of rain or snow. |
WATER |
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Use an old plastic baby bath or a commercial product but be sure to give little kids plenty of opportunities to discover the properties of water with play and observation. Vary the items in the tub each week - measuring cups, boats, water wheels, things that float/sink. Water play will help children be able to describe some of the properties of water. |
More science center materials - Physical science...
ALL TEACHING RESOURCES
Earth Science materials and equipment
Physical Science materials and equipment
Life Science materials and equipment
Science magazines for kids
Social studies play items
Circle time divider rugs
Hopscotch carpets
Road and street type rugs
Interlocking foam mats
Geography map carpets
Great magazines for kids
Early childhood picture books
More excellent picture books
Picture book videos (DVDs)
Preschool and kindergarten software
Great board games for kids
Kindergarten online activities and games
Best art supplies for kids
Art Education books
Art Education magazines
Books for teaching art history
Teach basic forms and play products
Modeling Clay Products
