How to Set Up An Outstanding Science Center for Preschool

A science center for preschool kids can be a great way to engage young learners in the exploration of science. By providing a variety of activities and materials that stimulate the senses, your little scientists can gain an understanding and appreciation for the natural world around them.

A science center can be a strong foundation that plants seeds of curiosity in our future researchers. Let’s take a look at some ideas for setting up a preschool science center that is both fun and educational.

This post contains affiliate links for your shopping convenience. There will be no additional cost to you if you purchase something for your science center for preschool from the link, but I receive a small commission each time someone makes a purchase through one of the links.

Why is a Science Center Important?

A successful science center in a preschool classroom will foster exploration and discovery. It encourages young children to explore their natural curiosity and ask questions about the world around them.

The science center gives students the opportunity to experiment and learn through hands-on science activities. It also helps develop critical thinking skills as they observe, analyze, and draw conclusions based on their observations.

Finally, a good science area providess children opportunities to express themselves creatively as they engage in play-based learning activities that you can tailor to individual interests and abilities.

What Kind of Science Activities Can Preschoolers Do?

Preschoolers are starting to understand the world around them and develop their own interests. Science activities can help foster curiosity and exploration in young children.

Teaching science to young kids doesn’t need to intimidate you. Preschool scientific discovery is all about fun and exploration, and there are many developmentally appropriate hands-on activities in which preschoolers can participate. Your kids can experience science through activities such as exploring plant life, observing animals, conducting simple experiments, playing with magnets, learning about the weather, studying how the human body works,and much more.

With a little guidance from a teacher or parent, preschoolers can have loads of fun while gaining valuable knowledge about the world around them.

Everyday Materials to Include in Your Preschool Science Center

It’s important to include a variety of materials and resources in the center that will help engage children in a hands-on way. If you need to purchase some of these items for your science center for preschool, you can find links at the end of this article.

Here is a list of some favorite science tools for your preschool science center. The best thing about some of these science items is they double as great fine motor tools for early learners.

• magnifying glasses
• measuring cups
• eye droppers or plastic pipettes
• bucket scale
• thermometer
• microscope
• tweezers
• tongs
• mirrors
• magnets
• sensory table
• Everyday objects like bottle caps, plastic cups, etc.

Natural Materials to Add to Your Preschool Science Center

Some of the best materials are from the natural environment around you. You can also fill your science table or center with various natural materials that will encourage sensory explorations and spark the imaginations of young students. Add some of these materials so that kids can sort, examine, and experiment:

• rocks
• sand
• soil
• leaves
• twigs
• flowers
• shells
• pinecones
• water

Don’t limit the study of science to a particular area of your classroom, many of these materials are perfect for hands-on learning in sensory bins.

Living Things for Your Science Center

Living things make excellent additions to a science center for preschool kids, Your kids will love observing living things over time. These items can provide meaningful discussions and teach concepts such as habitats, life cycles, environmental interactions, and more.

Here are some great examples of living things to add to your discovery center.

• plants
• flowers
• fish
• insects (ladybugs, mealworms, ants, caterpillars, etc.)
• spiders
• worms
• small mammals (hamsters, guinea pigs, a rabbit)
• reptiles (lizards)
• hermit crabs

Stem Materials in Your Science Center for Preschool

STEM materials can help children develop problem-solving skills. Try adding some of these fun materials to your science and discovery center to encourage your little engineers to work on stem activities.

• building blocks
• tape
• zip-ties
• hook and loop dots
• magnets
• sticks
• cotton swabs
• craft sticks
• toothpicks
• playdough
• measuring tools
• ramps
• balls
• toy cars
• Lego blocks, axles, wheels, etc.
• pipe cleaners
• cardboard, paper, ribbon, string

Books for Your Science Center

Don’t forget to add some books to your center throughout the school year. Non-fiction books are an excellent way to enhance learning. A great book can help students explore new topics and gain knowledge about science concepts.  Many non-fiction informative books can offer interesting and engaging content for students of all ages.  Check out my article about science books for preschoolers to get many ideas.

Writing Opportunities

Scientists record their observations, so be sure to provide a way for your kids to document their findings. Add notebooks, scrap paper, blank books, or observation journals for your little learners.

You can also record observations by taking pictures or videos.

Seasonal Science Center Ideas

Adding seasonal materials to your preschool science center can help keep things fresh and exciting for your students! Seasonal materials allow them to explore the changing environment around them.  Here are some seasonal material ideas.

Winter Science Center Materials Ideas

Here are some materials that you can use to create a winter-themed discovery center:

• snow
• ice
• icicles
• photographs of magnified snowflakes

Spring Science Center Materials Ideas

Here are some spring-themed materials that you can add to your center:

• seeds
• plants
• flowers and blossoms
• insects
• bugs
• pinwheels

Summer Science Center Materials Ideas

Here are some materials that you can use to add some summer fun to your scientific discovery area:

• bubbles
• water
• flowers
• fish

Fall Science Center Materials Ideas

The fall is a great time to go on a nature walk to gather some seasonal materials. Here are some materials that you can use to create a fall-themed science center:

• pumpkins
• gourds
• leaves
• apples
• field corn
• apples

Easy Science Activities for Your Kids

When it comes to teaching science, I know that many preschool teachers feel intimidated. Here are some super easy, but engaging and easy science activities that you can set up in part of your science center

Sorting Activities

Scientist study and classify things. You can add printable sorting activities so that your kids can sort things. Teachers report that these simple activities also promote discussions among kids.

Weigh Stations

Get out your balance scale and add items to small plastic containers.

Your kids can use the scientific method as they measure & compare the weights of different objects. I love that you can easily use seasonal items to make a summer or spring weigh station, a fall weigh station, a holiday weigh station, and a winter weigh station.

Simple Scientific Investigations for Your Science Center

You can study seasonal items by conducting an investigation. Your kids will have so much fun doing a plant & seed investigation, a flower investigation, an apple investigation, a pumpkin investigation, or a leaves & trees investigation.

Use printable signs, posters, and observation journals to walk kids through measuring, examining, classifying, and using their senses to learn about natural objects in their world.

Purchase Printable Resources for Your Science Center Today

Are you ready to add fun and easy activities to your science center? You can purchase printable activities in the store. Click on the pictures below to purchase the easy printables today.

Purchase on TPT

Do you prefer to shop at Teachers Pay Teachers? You can also purchase the Science Printables in my TPT Store.

Links for Science Center Resources

Do you need help finding resources for your science center? Here are some items from Amazon that are perfect.