Science Center Set Up and Ideas for Preschool

A science center is so much more than just a place to put science related materials in the classroom. A real science center is interesting, inviting, and offers children opportunities to explore, discover, and use their senses.

Science Center Set Up and Ideas for Preschool and Pre-K

But how do you make your science center a place that kids will want to visit? I’m so glad you asked! Here are some of my very best tips for setting-up and organizing an inviting and meaningful science center in your Preschool, Pre-K, or Kindergarten classroom.

Why Your Classroom Needs a Science Corner

First things first, why is having a dedicated science area in your classroom important? For preschoolers, daily life IS science. Research indicates that all children can learn science and should have the opportunity to participate in science learning as early as possible.

Effective science learning requires:

• hands-on contact with materials
• time to investigate and manipulate those materials
• time to contemplate the results

Hands-On Science

In order for scientific learning to happen, children must be introduced to  science in the classroom at an early age.

Many of us may remember science as a boring subject in school, involving lots of memorization. But science is really a way of thinking and trying to understand the world.

Current research shows that active, hands-on learning is the most meaningful and effective way for young children to learn.

Science Center Set-Up

The first step in having a successful science center is to label everything you put in the center. But creating labels doesn’t have to be difficult or time consuming, I’ve done all the hard work for you with this editable set of classroom labels! Just print out your labels and attach them to each end of the tubs in your center, as well as the shelf. This method of labeling things in each center makes clean-up time so much quicker and easier and also helps create a print-rich environment in your classroom.

Want to see pictures and get ideas for science center set-up? I’ve got your back! Check out the links below for my best science center set-up tips and tools. Having an organized, labeled, and well-stocked science area is a must to keep your little learners engaged and on-task.

Science Center: Books

When it comes to science in the preschool classroom, having lots of books is a must! Science books are always available for students to read in the center. Children also enjoy looking at Zoobooks, Ranger Rick, and other science magazines for kids. Here are some of my favorite, kid-friendly science books for preschool classrooms:

Preschool Science Curriculum

Having a well-organized and stocked science center is great, but it’s only one piece of the science puzzle. What you really need is a rock-solid Pre-K appropriate science curriculum to engage your little learners. No more paraphrasing or “adapting down” science lessons designed for older grades!

Science Center: Planting and Growing

Kids love to watch things grow in the classroom! Here are some of my most successful planting and growing activities for the preschool classroom.

DIY Science Tools

Science materials don’t have to be a strain on your wallet, here are some of my favorite DIY science tools you can make on the cheap for your classroom!

Science Center Materials

All good scientists need tools to do their jobs! Some of the tools you have in your science center may stay out all year because they are important for your little scientists to do their work. Things like goggles and magnifying glasses are examples of tools you might keep out all year. Other tools may change depending on what topic your kids are interested in or learning about.

• Test Tubes
• Eye Droppers
• Magnetic Wands
• Goggles
• Magnifying Glasses
• Color Paddles
• Science Lab Kit

Teaching Trailblazers

Having a well stocked science corner is awesome! But let’s face it, it can’t make you a better teacher. The best place to discuss teaching best practices and get the support you need is in the Teaching Trailblazers – plus you’ll have access to our complete pre-k science curriculum! We have many printable lessons and on-demand video trainings to help you become the best teacher you can be! If you want to get on the waiting list for the Teaching Trailblazers, do it soon so you don’t miss the next open enrollment period!