Last Updated on September 23, 2024 by Sheryl Cooper
Inside: Learning about spiders is a fall favorite at our preschool science center, creating a fun invitation to explore nature.
Right as we start back to school, the spiders become very visible. They are hanging out in our outdoor area, even inside the playhouses. Some of the children will scream and ask that we remove them. We decided this was a good time to invite our toddlers and preschoolers to learn more about spiders, and how useful they can be.
During October, one of our preschool science activities is learning about spiders. We set up a spider science table, read books about spiders, and do some spider art.
Learning About Spiders at the Preschool Science Center
You might recall from our squirrels and acorns activity that we recently got a new science table. Oh, how we love this new science center! I’ve shared it on my Instagram page and my Facebook page and have received lots of compliments. Who knew one small round table with 2 chairs would make such a difference?
Setting up our spider science table:
We like to feature books all over our classroom by placing them in acrylic holders. We featured 2 books at our science table and opened them to pages with information. Even though our toddlers and preschoolers cannot read the text, they will look at the illustrations. When a teacher is nearby and a conversation is started about what is on our table, she can read a bit from the books that are on the table.
I love that there is a window above our science table. I added some pretend spider web and spider rings as a visual. I also found some fun stretchy spiders to place on the science table.
I made a fun spider discover bottle. I used an empty plastic VOSS water bottle and added some stretchy spiders and rice that I colored orange. I used the same method as when we dyed our rice for our sunflower sensory bin.
I also added a spider puppet and a stuffed spider that we had in our storage room while we were learning about spiders.
Just like when we used a science shelf, our science table is open during centers time. Children are free to visit whenever they want during that time.
We change our science table activity each week. While planning our school year, we put together ideas that tie in with that week’s theme. This way the books and other activities that we do that week connect to the science table, making it much more meaningful.
Some of our materials might be too small for our 2 year olds, so we remove them on the days they are in the classroom.
Where do we get our science ideas? From lots of resources. I try to pin as many as I can on our science Pinterest board. Take a peek!
Check out our favorite science toys and materials:
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