Ask Dr. BKW - Ideas for Pre-K Science Center

School has started and the pre-k looks at the science center and began wondering why during center time the children were not selected the center and even when encouraged to come into the center reply was “no”.  Therefore, the teacher has sent the question to Ask Dr. BKW “what are some ideas to engage children into the science center?”   

As you review the room arrangement try to place the science center next to a window for natural light to expand activities exploration for teacher initiated and/or child initiated experiments.  Some activities will be have the children chart different types of weather, plant seeds in clear cup then chart height after they have predicted the height before recording, have children record findings in individual science journal and so forth.  Also check out Sid the Science Kid to show small video clips and have the children conduct their own investigation on show themes.

Review your state requirement to have the minimum materials then add others based on conversations with children (their interest) and related study theme (lesson plan) hands-on activities.    You can add materials for the children to investigate without you sharing with them but peak their curiosity then proceed with activities for investigation, predictions, journaling and so forth.  Also, encourage children to bring in natural things that will be shared with others and investigated as needed such as leaves, rocks, acorns and so forth.  This will give you another opportunity to expose the children to global awareness when materials originated from and how transported to your state.  Here are some other websites to check out other science ideas. 

1.      http://www.prekinders.com/science-center/

2.     http://www.pinterest.com/prekpages/science-center-ideas/

3.     http://kellypfeiffer.hubpages.com/hub/Science-Centers-for-Preschoolers

Remember to add books into the center that will enhance the lessons.  Here is a list that you may want to include or rotate as needed.

1.      Science outside by Susan Canizare and Betsy Chessen

2.      Fall is for Friends by Suzy Spafford

3.      Weather Words and What they Mean by Gail Gibbons

4.      What Magnets Can Do by Allan Fowler

5.      The Four Season Book by Barron’s Educational Series, Inc.

The Early Childhood Environmental Rating Scale – Revised (ECERS-R) states that the center should include books, pictures, and/or audio/visual materials used to add information and extend the children’s hands-on experiences.  Also have natural/science activities that required more input from teachers that are offered least once every two (2) weeks such as cooking experiments with step-by-step chart, measuring, counting and so forth.

These are just some ideas that once taken under consideration should be inviting and expand children’s learning in science skills.