This magnifying would make a great addition to the science center in your preschool or kindergarten classroom.
It can easily be used to introduce children to the sense of sight during your five senses unit. They can use magnifying glasses to look at the items inside the dishes.
This is what I like to call a “Lakeshore Hack”, which is when you make something yourself for much less money than it costs at the Lakeshore Learning store.
DIY Science Magnifying Board
I recently discovered these petri dishes in the Target Dollar Spot and was immediately reminded of this fantastic idea from A Little Learning for Two.
I bought the petri dishes and the magnifying glasses at the Dollar Spot and the rest of the materials I had on hand at home.
I have listed the items I put inside my petri dishes below but you can use anything you have on hand or interests your students.
Magnifying Board Supplies
- Rice
- Text cut from a science magazine
- Picture cut from the same magazine
- Dried pumpkin seeds
- “Fossil” (dried playdough with an imprint in the middle)
- Bolts
How to Make a Magnifying Board
I started by turning over an old wooden puzzle frame and attaching the petri dishes to the back using E6000 glue. If you are not familiar with E6000 glue it can be found at most home improvement or craft stores, it will permanently adhere anything to anything.
Next, I placed the items inside the petri dishes and used the E6000 glue to permanently seal the lids closed.
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To introduce this activity I read an age-appropriate book on the topic of sight titled Look! (Amazing Body: The Five Senses) by Dana Meachen Rau.
More Science Ideas
