Science center materials need not be expensive. To find DIY science center materials ideas, do a quick search on Pinterest. Try and make, find or purchase a variety of science materials that encourage children to build, to create and design, to actively explore, think and reason, to identify problems and to try possible solutions to problems.
Follow the links to Amazon below, for ready-made science center materials for all the areas of the science curriculum, earth science, physical science and life science.
Earth science materials - investigating features of the Earth and its atmosphere
The study of the universe and the structure of the Earth. Children investigate the characteristics of rocks, soil, water and weather conditions in their immediate surroundings. As mini Earth scientist detectives, kids are working towards:
- sharing their observations about their immediate environment
- learning about the characteristics of rocks, soil, water
- learning about weather conditions in the community
Solar Systems Toys and Materials
Geosafari Motorized solar system
There are a number of solar systems materials 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.
Solar system 48 piece floor puzzle
Familiarize kids with all the planets, the moon, and the sun, as well as the asteroid belt with a large piece floor puzzle.
Air materials and toys
Children are discovering that:
- air is everywhere,
- air takes up space,
- air presses on everything on all sides,
- moving air pushes things
- air slows down moving objects.
Any kind of parachute - Use classroom PE type parachutes or individual toy parachutes to demonstrate how air slows down moving objects.
A kitchen baster
- children observe and test to see what happens when they squeeze the baster top when the baster is inserted in water.
Biodegradable Paper Straws, Box of 144
- for all kinds of blowing experiments and blowing paint around art! Great for the earth, as they don’t fill the landfill with plastic straws.
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.
Try these fan activities
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. Record observations.
Weather
Weekly Calendar with Weather Pocket Chart
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 Play
Playing with water benefits children. Children are working towards learning that:
- water has weight
- water’s weight helps things float
- water goes into some things and not into other things
- some things disappear in the water and some do not
- water goes int the air
- water can change forms reversibly
- the surface f still water pulls together
Stacking Cups - great for children to test the weight of materials when they are dry and when they are wet
Plastic Toy Sand and Water Wheel
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, colander, things that float/sink. Water play will help children be able to describe some of the properties of water.
