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You are here: Home / Science / How to Set Up Your Preschool Science Center

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How to Set Up Your Preschool Science Center

August 18, 2017 by Sheryl Cooper

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Inside: Our favorite ideas for the preschool science center that encourage hands-on exploration!

Science is an important part of a preschooler’s day, especially when it involves hands-on exploration. Teachers, are you wondering how to set up your preschool science center? Does it intimidate you a bit?

It doesn’t need to be intimidating! With just a few simple tips, you can have a science area that is inviting for your young learners.

Today I am going to show you almost all of the science centers we set up on ONE  year in our preschool classroom. Some of these stayed out all week, some for a couple of weeks. All of them were tied into our preschool theme of that week. We connected other classroom activities with what was in our science center.

How to Set Up Your Preschool Science Center

 

 

How to Set Up Your Preschool Science Center

 

You will notice that many of these science centers include picture books and perhaps one or two visuals placed in plexi-glass sign holders.

At some of the centers there were also tools such as magnifying glasses and tweezers.

We also tried to have some sort of objects that could be touched.

I’ve added some affiliate links if you are interested in learning where these products can be purchased, but you might already own them.

I am hoping these photos help you understand how to set up a science center that will be visually pleasing to your preschoolers, inviting them to come and explore.

Magnets

Preschool Classroom Science Area Ideas

At the start of the year we explore with magnets. This is a simple and fun activity that is especially loved by visual learners. The preschoolers discovered that the magnets stuck to some objects, but not to others. Later in the year we explored magnets at the light table, in the sensory table, and even in the block area.

More to read:

8 Irresistible Activities to Do with Magnets


 

Owls

Preschool Classroom Science Area Ideas

As we explore owls, we also learn about nocturnal animals. Why do they sleep during the day?

Related: 15 Owl Activities


Bats

Preschool Classroom Science Area Ideas

During October, one of our science displays is all about bats. Most of our preschoolers remember seeing the bats at our local zoo, so this is meaningful to them. I put together a simple discovery bottle placing some small foam bats (from a sticker pad) into water along with some glitter (just because our preschoolers love to watch it swirl).  We love National Geographic Kids books, as you can see in the photo. The rubber bat was a nice prop, too!

Related: 20 Bat Activities Preschoolers Love


 

Pumpkins

Preschool Classroom Science Area Ideas

In October we go on a field trip to the pumpkin patch, so we make sure to study pumpkins at the science table. Along with small pumpkins, we also provided a pumpkin matching activity. (If you are interested in these types of printables, you can find them at Montessori for Everyone.)

Make sure to check out our Pumpkin Theme post for lots of pumpkin activities!


Corn

Preschool Classroom Science Area Ideas

While at the pumpkin patch, we get to walk through the the corn that is being harvested. We set up this science center to show a real piece of corn that is still in its husk, a can of corn, dried corn kernels (that I also placed letter tiles inside to spell “corn”), and some visuals.

Try this: Tweezing Corn Fine Motor Activity

Pines

Preschool Classroom Science Area Ideas

Where we live, there is an abundance of pine cones. This includes all around our preschool building. We learn where they come from while we take a nature walk. What trees did they fall from?

Dinosaurs

Preschool Classroom Science Area Ideas

Preschoolers have a fascination with dinosaurs, and we’ve happened to acquire quite a collection. The children love how large and powerful dinosaurs are!

Related: 20 Dinosaur Activities


Preschool Classroom Science Area Ideas

In the winter a dental team visits our preschool, talking about how to keep our teeth healthy. The week that they visit, we invite our preschoolers to practice brushing teeth with a model.


The Colors of the Rainbow

Preschool Classroom Science Area Ideas

During the month of March we explore the rainbow. You might recall our giant color wheel, where the children bring in items from home that are the colors of the rainbow.

Related: 15 Amazing Rainbow Science Activities


Seeds

Preschool Classroom Science Area Ideas

April means gardening! We invite our preschoolers to play with our seed model while we plant sunflowers. By doing this, they actually get to watch their seed sprout. They learn about taking care of another living thing, giving it sunlight and water.


Daffodils

Preschool Classroom Science Area Ideas

After learning about seeds, we then explore daffodils. We explore them under our magnifying stands and learn to treat them gently.

 

Ocean Life

science shells

In May we explore the ocean. We have real shells, a couple of discovery bottles, and books. You can read more about this in our Preschool Ocean Theme post.


 

Want to see more science activities? Check out our pin board!

 

 

How to Set Up Your Preschool Science Center

 

Check out our favorite science toys and materials:

preschool science products

 

More science resources:

Explore Nature with Fall Science Activities

Fun Winter Science Activities

Hands-On Spring Science Activities

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Filed Under: preschool, Preschool Science, Science, Teachers Tagged With: preschool, science, teachers

About Sheryl Cooper

Sheryl Cooper is the founder of Teaching 2 and 3 Year Olds, a website full of activities for toddlers and preschoolers. She has been teaching this age group for over 20 years and loves to share her passion with teachers, parents, grandparents, and anyone with young children in their lives.

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Comments

  1. Debra

    September 11, 2016 at 1:33 pm

    These are gorgeous!!!!

    • Sheryl Cooper

      September 11, 2016 at 2:11 pm

      Thank you, Debra!

  2. Rebecca Sadler

    October 4, 2017 at 9:56 pm

    Wonderful ideas for science exploring centers for 2-3 year olds without being overwhelming! These are very developmentally appropriate to prompt their questioning.

    • Sheryl Cooper

      October 5, 2017 at 8:33 pm

      Thank you, Rebecca!

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