Science Center Inspiration

We've been loving our Science Center, so I wanted to put together a roundup of science tables that inspire me.  Many of these themes are on my list for the near future; although, they probably won't look as nice as these.  They're something to strive for, though.  I hope they inspire you as they do me.

Tree Frogs

Our first Science Center set-up was tree frog themed.  Click on the link to read more about what we put on our shelf.

Eggs of Every Kind

I love all the different eggs and the small poster on the right, which shows the tiniest egg (hummingbird) next to the largest egg (ostrich).  The books shows that the focus is not just on birds, but other oviparous animals as well.  Because of our garter snake, the kids have gotten very interested in egg-laying animals.

Things that Come from Trees

A study of trees seems like it would be good for autumn, with the different colored leaves and the nuts.  My kids haven't been too interested in botany, but perhaps a "strewing" like this might peak their curiosity.

Bones on the Light Table

Skimmer loves "the bones, the bones inside us."  He would be so happy with a light table and x-rays like these.  We have a small tracing table, so I bought this set of animal x-rays for a study this year.

Sunflower Investigation Area

I have admired this Science table for several years.  I love the sunflowers, the colors, and the elements.  Now that autumn is here, I'd like to get a sunflower head so the kids can pick out the seeds and save them for spring.  I have to figure out where we can plant them that isn't a digging area (wink).

Ocean with Mirrors

I really like the look of this table with all the mirrors and loose parts.  I like the picture frame for building free art with ocean pictures.

Bug Discovery Area

Tadpole is a bug boy right now, so I know he would like this discovery tray.  In fact, I'd like to buy this bugs in resin very soon.  The kids have been talking about getting an insect like a stick bug or praying mantis, so look for that in the near future.

Bird Science Area

I love the way this table is set-up with the real nest, the big poster, and the stuffed animal.  The bird clock plays backyard bird song.  This science center would be a good place for the Safari Backyard Birds toob (free printable).

Fossil Investigation Area

My kids would absolutely love this investigation, because they love dinosaurs.  This fossil collection would be perfect for the science table.

Nest Building

I'm very hesitant to allow my kids access to loose parts, but I like this provocation to build a nest.  Maybe we'll do this outside this spring.

Animal Tracks

I'd love to do a table like this one in the winter.  It would be a good companion for a study of North American animals.  Kids could even match them with the Safari North American toob (free printable).

Seeds

This Science table would go well with my seed matching printable.  It would be a good theme for fall or springtime.  A follow-up would be to plant a few different seeds to compare their rate of growth, visual appearance, and fruit. 

Spider's Web

There are so many levels of learning with this activity.  Kids can see how a spider's web is made, can do web pretend play, and can practice their fine motor skills weaving pretty threads through the web.

Crystals with Magnifying Glass

This "strewing" of interesting thing involves geology and crystals.  A companion to this science table would be an experiment to grow crystals in either borax, salt, or sugar.  There are also grow-your-own-geode kits that you can buy as well.

Stars and Contellations

A study of the stars could also include this craft area where kids can make their own starry skies or constellations.  Kids can work on their fine motor skills pinching the tiny jewels and gluing them to the paper.

Magnetic Junk

This discover area is neat because it's not life science focused like many of the other ones on this roundup.  Grab a pile of random stuff and a magnet and put the kids to work sorting.  Introduce them to this neat magnet putty, too!

*Magnets can be very harmful to children so only do this activity with parental guidanc*

Our latest Science Center set-up with a garter snake and some science posters.  I'm waiting for the kids to mature a bit before adding more things to our shelves.  Hopefully, they'll be ready soon, because I really want to do some of the ideas that I've linked to on this blog post.