The science area is a
classroom area where you will want to change materials often.
Goals/Skills:
Explore and experience
the natural world
Problem solving
Making guesses and
estimates
Developing observation
skills
Supervision and Tips:
The science area is
‘hands-on’ and interactive! Touching and
exploring is to be encouraged!
Children’s
thinking skills and cognitive development should be
encouraged and promoted through questioning and
exploring. Before answering a question let the child
think and predict outcomes. Ask open-ended questions!
Charting and
graphing outcomes should be evident in this area of the
classroom.
You may want to use
‘discovery trays’ to organize your experiments
and materials.
Expand on the
children’s interests. Follow up with books on topics
they explore.
When introducing an
experiment or concept use the "What do we know?/What
do we want to know?/What did we learn?" dictation
format.
Rotate items
frequently.
Encourage nature
awareness while outside or on walks.
Always remember
safety. Make sure all items are non-toxic and are
acceptable to your local health department.
Ask for science
material donations from parents of things they may have
at home or obtain through their work.
Include weekly
science enrichments in your lesson plans, preferably tied
into your learning theme if possible.
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