Create a science center that allows children to explore the concept of magnetism. Set out a variety of materials that are magnetic and non-magnetic, such as iron filings, paper clips, toy cars, wooden blocks, stainless steel items, and plastic cups, for example. While visiting this center, children predict whether or not the items will be attracted to a magnet and then they use a magnet to test their predictions. Have them record their predictions on a piece of paper and then note whether their predictions where correct.
Your students can explore the scientific concept of buoyancy during center time. Fill a table that is specially made for water play with water, or fill plastic tubs with water. Prior to attending the center, discuss the concept of buoyancy with your students. Set out a variety of objects for students to test the buoyancy of -- toy boats, foam balls, pieces of paper, wooden blocks, corks and rocks, for example. Children should be encouraged to predict if the items will sink or float when placed in the water. Have them record their predictions and the actual results.
This center will help your students gain an understanding of what sources different items come from. Print out pictures of items that come from a definite source, as well as the pictures of the source. Items to consider include pickles and cucumbers, a table and a tree, lemonade and lemons, and cheese and cows. Glue the matching pairs of items side by side on index cards and cut the index cards in half with jagged lines. For instance, the pictures of the pickle and the cucumber should be placed on the same index card and then the card should be cut in half down the middle. To reassemble the cards, students must match the items to their sources.
In this center, kids observe different items with magnifying glasses. Fill bins with different types of items; flowers, leaves, yarn, cotton balls and paper, for example. Have children examine the items and then draw pictures that illustrate what the items look like. Encourage them to examine the items with magnifying glasses and have them draw pictures that illustrate what the items look like when they are magnified. Compare and contrast the images and talk about the differences in appearance.