Children learn best by doing. Countless studies have shown how hands-on learning dramatically impacts the overall well being of a child. That’s why it’s crucial to have an after school program that peaks curiosities, while also maintaining freedom within a structured environment. Science Centers are one of the best ways to blend essential learning skills with natural desires to learn about the functions of our world and beyond. This article outlines all of the essentials you’ll need to create a science center in your after school program, so your kids are not only engaged but are amazed and educated as well.

Incorporating a Science Center

A science center is so much fun to create in an after school program. You begin with the simple basics, which we will talk about soon, and then embellish on the materials for each theme as you get to know the children and their interests. But first, you’ll need to have a good idea of the primary fundamentals of incorporating a science center into your after school program.

The Benefits of Having a Science Center

Whether a child is interested in animals, plants, space, nature, or how things work, science centers are most effective when they are experimental, organized, and respected. Although science has countless benefits, some of the most significant are:

• Promotes awareness of the environment
• Encourages sustainability
• Prepares for the scientific method
• Reduces behavior problems
• Teaches relevance to our daily lives
• Helps children to generate ideas and make decisions
• Makes learning more hands-on and fun
• Teaches organizational and safety skills

Essentials of a Quality Science Center

Location

Since science is full of observation and inquiry, try to have the science center in a quiet area. I know many after school classrooms that like to keep the science area next to the reading zones. You’ll also want to have more mobile spaces since some of the science manipulatives will require movement and exploration. Nature studies can be outdoors, especially if there is gardening involved.

Furniture

Shelves are essential, as these are where you will be setting out the materials. They should be clean and at eye level for the kids to easily see and handle the materials. Utilize tables and chairs that can be wiped down quickly in case of spills. Some kids prefer to work on the ground, so having large, wipeable placemats will help limit table space. 

A note on placemats: Placemats also help to keep the materials individualized. One fundamental trick is to show the children how to keep all of the items they’re using on the placemat – this not only keeps it organized, but it also indicates that the materials are currently in use. 

Basic Materials

Some necessary materials to have on hand are organizational (baskets, trays, attractive boxes, etc.), science theme items (discussed in the next section), and clean-up supplies that are readily on hand for kids and adults.

Décor

How to Implement a Science Center

Along with the essentials for creating and maintaining science centers, it’s also important to focus on using higher quality materials over cheap, easily breakable items. Quality materials, along with guidance from the teachers, will ensure that they last much longer and are less likely to malfunction when they’re in use. 

The organization is also essential to implementing a science center. When materials are neatly organized on the shelves either on trays or in baskets, they will be easier for kids to explore without having to sift through the clutter. The organization also helps to keep the kids motivated to keep it neat and tidy. The kids can be taught how to put them materials back on the shelf in a specific way.

How to Get Engagement in the Science Center

Creating excitement and engagement in a science center is not complicated, especially if you follow the steps I’ve outlined in this article. Science and experiments draw the child in, and even more so if they know how to use it. 

I suggest following a simple rule that Montessori environments often use: a particular material cannot be used until the teacher has presented it. One way that I have found to be very beneficial in creating independence in the science area is to have step-by-step booklets. For younger kids, make sure there are pictures to go with each step so they can rely on a visual.

If you have varying ages in your after school program, then you’ll most likely need to provide materials for each level’s understanding. Create shelves for each level; that way, the kids know ahead of time which materials are meant for their age group.

If you notice that specific material is not getting used, it’s either a) not impressive enough, or b) too easy or challenging. Be sure to cycle the materials periodically so that the science center maintains their attention.

The Teacher’s Role

Even though the science center influences inquisitiveness and independence, the teacher’s role is still crucial in maintaining order, curiosity, and respect. Here are some essentials of the teacher’s role:

• The materials are age-appropriate
• The materials are always organized and attractive
• The presentation or lesson is step-by-step, similar to the methodology of the scientific method
• Most materials can be used independently
• There are consistent ground rules for the science center (What happens when a child continuously abuses the materials? Can they work in small groups, or is it independent work? What is a realistic time frame a child can use a material?)
• The materials have a conclusion, meaning that the child needs to gain some satisfaction from work
• Learn about the children’s interests so that you can incorporate materials based on that. For example, if you know for sure that a particular child is very interested in galaxies, find an experiment and easy resources about the Milky Way.
• Be patient, be inquisitive, be enthusiastic. Children are very receptive to their teacher’s attitudes. If the teacher shows enthusiasm, the child will most likely follow suit.

Seven Themes for a Science Center

Science centers should have items that are inviting and full of exploratory options. They need to encourage the children to use their senses and to want to learn more. As mentioned before, the organization and age-appropriateness are vital, as well as having all of the right materials to feel successful. 

Here, I have listed seven themes for a science center, along with item and activity ideas to help inspire your creative genius. 

Create a Science Center: Chemistry

When kids think of chemistry, they most often visualize a mad scientist creating steaming concoctions. Although this isn’t always the reality of chemistry, spark interest in chemistry with a few essential materials on the chemistry shelves:

• Prisms, color wheels, and colors for mixing
• Thermometers and different temperature substances to compare and measure changes
• Eye droppers
• Graduated cylinders
• Small and medium-sized containers for mixing
• Clear bottles sealed shut and filled with glitter and different liquids per bottle (water, olive oil, corn syrup, etc.)
• Periodic table of elements books for kids
• A book of fun science experiments for kids
• Safety goggles

DIY Volcano Activity

Making a volcano is one of the easiest ways to combine earth science with chemistry, and you only need three simple ingredients: clear vinegar, baking soda, and food coloring. The science of mixing the ingredients can be seen well enough in the clear jar, or you can build a volcano out of clay around a graduated cylinder. 

The kids will love seeing the reaction between vinegar and baking soda into an oozy mess. I like the Learning Resources tutorial as it’s simple, organized, and uses small plastic dinosaurs for that added touch.

Create a Science Center: Physics

Frequently, physics and engineering can be blended into one area. This is also true for learning about laws even in astronomy, like how planets stay in orbit. But to learn the basics of it all, it’s important to have the physics essentials:

• Scales, balances, rulers, tape measures, objects to measure and weigh
• Pulleys, ramps, gears, or a K’NEX Simple Machines kit
• Books on the physical world or how stuff works
• Optical prisms
• Magnet sets
• Force and motion discovery set 
• Mega Marble Race

Lego Balloon Car Activity

For this activity, you’ll need Legos (with wheels), balloons, small tape measure, and a craft bead container with compartments. Kids will be able to explore the concept of force and motion using a car built out of Legos and a balloon that forces air out, pushing the car forward. Eventually, the car will stop after the balloon is emptied of air. You can play around with lighter cars versus heavier cars. Find the tutorial at Little Bins Little Hands, and don’t forget to ask the kids how far they think the cars will travel!

Create a Science Center: Astronomy

Astronomy is a fascinating subject for kids, so besides having lots of beautiful space images and picture books, you’ll want to have:

• Lego Space Set
• Telescope
• Phases of the Moon DIY flipbook and other 
• Astronaut glove box
• Space printables (Gift of Curiosity)
• Games such as Solar System Bingo
• An inflatable solar system set
• Different sized styrofoam balls to paint like planets
• Astronaut accessories and dried space food
• Space puzzle

Constellations Tubes Activity

This fun activity results in a constellation viewer made out of a toilet paper or paper towel tube and a pin-pricked constellation pattern. You can create a whole shoebox filled with different constellation tubes so the kids can learn about the various star patterns and their names. You can find the tutorial and free printable at Momma Owls Lab.

Create a Science Center: Nature

Bring the outdoors into the classroom by creating a nature-inspired science area equipped with objects from nature and educational materials. Some of the most common items could be:

• Magnifying lenses
• Insect boxes
• Different types of flowers with ‘smell boxes’ and extracts to match to the flower scent
• Parts of a flower model
• Plant press
• A collection basket for children to bring pieces of nature in for observations
• Age-appropriate field guides
• Nature picture books
• Nature stencils
• Games such as Nature Bingo
• CD player playing sounds of nature
• Gardening section or Root-Vue Farm

Flower Suncatchers Activity

Create flower suncatchers by taking apart the petals of different types of flowers. Make gorgeous designs with the petals and assorted leaves on the adhesive side of the contact paper, then press them with the sticky side of another piece of contact paper. Find the full tutorial here. Each child is left with a beautiful suncatcher made from nature. This also makes excellent bookmarks, frames, and other unique nature-inspired gifts.

Letters in Nature

Get kids outdoor and enjoying nature with this nature activity. Look for letters in nature with this photography scavenger hunt for school age kids. Check out the full activity at here.

Create a Science Center: The Human Body

The human body science area can be made up of engaging and educational kits, such as:

• My Five Senses Magent Activity Set – four durable magnetic charts that help to observe and learn about the patterns of what plants, animals, and humans need to survive.
• Models of the brain, body, heart, and skeleton models that are manipulative and durable. These can be used by younger and older kids, especially when used with parts of the body information cards or booklets.
• Large skeleton puzzle pieces. These can be printed, cut, and laminated with a key for the children to follow. Or use real human x-rays to go along with the lightbox mentioned in the investigative science center.
• Plenty of printables for learning the parts of the body. Don’t forget colored pencils and charts for them to check off their own work (this helps with independence).
• Yoga cards for movement, strength, and flexibility.

Noodle Anatomy Activity

Make some cute pasta skeletons to help reinforce or introduce parts of the human body. Scholastic has a great example here. Using black poster board cut to about 8×10, have the child create a skeleton using different types of noodles. The results are hilarious, and the kids have a fun time creating them. For older kids, have them label the different noodles relating to the bones, and younger kids can enjoy just putting the noodles together to make a skeleton.

Create a Science Center: Engineering

With so much STEM activity in traditional classrooms now, most kids will have been exposed to engineering concepts in some capacity. In an after school science center, some items in the engineering area might be:

• Legos
• Erector sets
• Lincoln Logs
• K’NEX STEM sets
• Geoboards
• Magnatiles
• Plenty of blocks for free-building

Coding Activity

Since coding has become a part of the school curriculum and involves engineering and technology skills, add a little non-technological fun with the Coding Buddies Activity Set. Not only does it promote movement (be sure to have space for this activity), but it also aids in cooperative learning. If you want to add some clever technology, try Botley The Coding Robot.

DIY Board Game Activity

An activity for older kids that involves pre-coding is to create your own board game. With this activity, makes sure the groups make the rules first, then make a rough sketch of their board game. Once this is done, they can create their moving pieces, drawing cards, money, or whatever else they choose to use by making cut-outs. 

Provide most of the materials they would need in a large basket: poster board, index cards, colored paper, drawing pencils, etc. They can even collect pieces from nature or make their moving pieces from Legos. The possibilities are endless!

Create a Science Center: Investigative

An investigative science center is where kids can put on their metaphorical detective hats or lab coats and become even more observant about their world. You can use a variety of items, including experiments, lightboxes with x-rays, and objects used for investigating. This is a little more open than the other areas, so you’ll need to have different materials on hand.

Some common items could be:

• Pan-balance scale with varying objects
• Magnifying lens
• Containers (clear cups and containers with lids)
• Collection ideas (insects, seeds, plant parts, shells, etc.)
• Cheesecloth to cover containers
• Terrariums
• Egg cartons/muffin tins for sorting
• A small pet such as fish, ant farm, hermit crab, etc.
• Butterfly house
• Binoculars
• Sketchbooks, notebooks, colored pencils/crayons, pencils to make field recordings

Specimens Activity

With the Excellerations Specimens Science Collection, kids can have a close-up view of real specimens encased in high-quality clear acrylic similar to what they would find in a science museum. With this kit, you can easily categorize them by specimens type and cycle them throughout the year. For example, if you’re learning about insects, then only place the insect specimens in the basket or on the tray. 

As an extended activity, ask the child to sketch the specimen on watercolor paper then use matching watercolors to paint a picture. Always have photos or a kid’s field guide handy for easy identifying.

Microscopes Activity

For elementary to high school kids, try the AmScope Microscope Kit, which comes with a booklet, prepared slides, and blank slides. For younger kids, try the GeoSafari Talking Microscope, featuring straightforward viewing and 12 high-quality prepared slides.

As an extended activity, you can use a sketchbook or a microscope journal to sketch microscope observations.

Final Thoughts

Now you should be well on your way to creating a fantastic science center for your after school program. Your students and colleagues will thank you for it, and you will get immense pleasure out of seeing the curiosity and inquiry beaming from the children.

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