Science Area

[Verona]

Recently we had a visitor to our setting that thought we should have a "Science area". What would you put into this area. Bearing in mind that we are a pack away setting, so things can't be left out.

Things like experimenting with various things may need a staff member present but what sort of things can be left for the child to discover?

 

Thought of things like magnets, magnifying glasses, kalaidescopes, prisms, discovery bottles, fir cones, pebbles, etc.that are usually out. Not sure what else - any ideas would be gratefully received!!

 

Thanks

 

Sue J

[Guest]

We have the same types of things you mention.

 

Right now the children are into magnets so we have some of those out to prompt them (but they can access their own anytime too)

 

Also on the cupboard top (our observation pod) right now are shells and magnifying glasses - a child brought the shells in from their holiday.

 

also two "chitting" potatoes and magnifying glasses because we have just planted our potatoes but this allows the children to look really carefully at the growth and do observational drawing.

 

sometimes we have plants, ones that have fragrance

 

sometimes food to taste and try.

 

I think you culd put out whatever you wanted to bring the childrens attention to!!

[Guest]

I want to do a floating and sinking area, but can't find any fish tanks or other clear and deepish containers to use. I have had reflections / shiny materials earlier in the year, the children enjoyed exploring that, especially as we had some curved shiny object so their reflections were upside down!

[blondie]

we have an area and call it investigation area - we have magnets, magnifying glasses, colour paddles, mirrors , etc for the children to access and use independently - there are shells, pieces of bark , fir cones and pine cones , stones - the sorts of things collected from holidays, gardens which the children can access and explore using the tools listed.

we also add things on a regular basis for the children to explore - seeds, growing plants , tadpoles , wormery etc

[finleysmaid]

how about a slim panel light box? (we got one through our tescos vouchers) greta for all sorts on top ...x rays/sand /coloured plastics etc etc