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CURRICULUM AND LEARNING ENVIRONMENT   * 1 HOUR * LEVEL 2

The Science Learning Center 

Science Center Inclusion

Page 5
Science centers should generally contain multiple items from three different domains of science. These should support physical science, life science and scientific inquiry. Physical science is the study of inanimate objects in the natural world and their processes including astronomy, chemistry and physics. Life science is the study of live objects in the natural world such as the human body, bugs, plants and other live creatures. Scientific inquiry is the act of studying the natural world and learning how scientists do this. 
Physical Science
This can include learning and studying space, magnets, force and motion, gravity, weight, levers, water and more.
Some additions to support physical science:
  • Include a weight and measurement center with varying objects to compare.
  • Provide a magnet jar or magnet table for children to explore the properties of magnets.
  • Consider including a water table or sensory bin with objects that sink or float.
  • Provide materials to build a simple marble run or marble ramp for children to explore the motion of the marbles.
Life Science
 This can include learning and studying plants, animals, bugs, fish, the human body and more.
Some additions to support life science:
  • Provide magnifying glasses with natural elements such as feathers, leaves, and seashells for exploration.
  • Include a mirror with photos of faces and diagrams of facial features.
  • Have something growing at all times and be sure that the children can see all of the parts of the plant. This can be a simple bean sprout in a ziplock bag or a sweet potato suspended in a cup of water.
  • Consider including a small fish tank or butterfly enclosure for children to learn the life cycle of butterflies. 
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Face Magnets
Print faces from clip art or use magazines to cut out different face parts. For example: eyes, mouths, noses, and ears. Attach magnets to the back of your cut outs and stick them to a cookie sheet. Let the children be creative and mix and match the different parts.
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Life Science: Classroom pet, or field trip to a farm or zoo
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Life Science: Indoor garden
Scientific Inquiry
​​This supports the exploration of the other two domains but also refers to the way children should interact with the items in the learning center.
Some additions to support scientific inquiry:
  • Include a variety of scientific tools and instruments for children to use. This can include magnifying glasses, telescopes, scales, rulers, measuring cups and more.
  • Encourage a scientific view of the materials that are provided. Model scientific inquiry for children to imitate.
  • Teach the scientific method and support children using this. Provide a clipboard, pencils and paper at the science area to allow them to record their findings.
  • Provide something that children can take apart or put together (or both).
  • Ask questions such as “what is it doing?” and “can you explain this?”
  • ​Overall, the science area should be utilized to support 21st century scientific inquiry skills which are of paramount importance.
  • Young children are working scientists every day of their lives, and the science learning center should support this.