For those of you that do learning centers what hands on exploration items do you have out for your kiddos? Most of mine are 2 and one is 3 so I am looking for ideas that interesting to that age level if possible. If you could post pictures or links I would really appreciate it.

I am still playing with my set up and this the one area that just has me stumped. This board is an amazing asset to have such wonderfully experienced providers to share ideas with.

Reply

The most popular items in our Discovery Center here are the sensory bottles.
Here is a link that contains ideas for plenty: http://lagunapreschoolcurriculum.blo...y-bottles.html

Otherwise, it depends on the thematic unit. When it was ants, we had an ant farm (live ants, very fun!), plastic models of the ant life cycle, Tegu blocks (magnetic blocks) with metal pieces and a metal pan, Bristle blocks with wheels, Etch a Sketch, shape sorters, nesting wooden boxes (smallest to largest, like the nesting cups), etc.

Reply

I have sensory type things in my science area.

• sandpaper
• magnifying glass (different sizes)
• mirrors
• water beads
• blindfolds
• smelling (scent) jars
• discovery bottles
• measuring cups/containers/spoons
• sensory bags (shaving cream w/hidden obects)
• squares of plexiglass in different colors
• microscope type lenses (to show concave/convex)

I added a few pictures of things I have

Reply

Like Entropy...I also set my Science area up according to theme.
Right now for the summer I have..sea shells, large river rocks, a snake skin (displayed in an acrylic box), star fish, play ocean animals, science books, magnifying glasses, magnet balls and magnet wands, butterfly house, an aquarium and some hermit crabs.

Reply

I forgot about science books and magnifying glasses. We have those as well. Our Discovery Center is next to our 130 gallon aquarium that we just purchased for our kids. They are loving it. I highly suggest getting some type of aquarium.

Reply

rocks
feathers
bones
scales
touchy feely bags
shells
insects under glass
droppers
scent bottles
rain sticks
sand timers

Reply

I have a lot of what was already mentioned. I also have magnets, things that move (like cars you push down and they go...for physical science), ramps, prisms and kleidoscopes, and slinky's.

I came across this the other day...how gorgeous is it?!?!??!

http://www.thebettermom.com/2012/07/...-nature-table/

Reply

how do you have it all set up, do you have a seperate shelf or is it mixed in with something. Do you have pictures, its easier to see then visualize it. I have alot of science stuff but I keep them up high because they are the mixing kind.

Reply

Photo0131.jpg

This is what I have....

Reply