Materials that Spark Exploration

Preschool Cognitive Development Lesson 4 Apply Materials that Spark Exploration Guide	WWW.VIRTUALLABSCHOOL.ORG ACTIVITY ID: 17571 Name Certifier Date
What do you need to spark exploration in your classroom? The answers are only bounded by your own creativity. Consider adding these materials to your Discovery Center or classroom to encourage explorations of how things move (Zan & Geiken, 2010): Wood cove molding of various lengths (this can become pathways or ramps for marbles or balls) Pieces of vinyl or plastic gutter materials (also for ramps or pathways) Marbles of various sizes Objects of various sizes, shapes, and textures (spools, blocks, plastic eggs) Divided organizers Large wood unit blocks Interlocking blocks Cardboard blocks Large sponges Consider adding these materials to encourage exploration of water and its properties (Walker, 2010): Clear beakers Eye droppers Funnels Clear tubing Measuring cups Water table Hose Consider adding these materials to encourage exploration of light and shadow: Flashlights Overhead projector Sheets (to serve as screens for projection) Shapes or shadow puppet ideas Consider adding these materials to encourage exploration of earth and life sciences: Seeds or seedlings Dirt and potting soil Gardening tools Insects like snails or worms Composting materials References: Walker, K. (2010). Science in Early Childhood Classrooms: Content and Process. Early Childhood Research and Practice. Zan, B., & Geiken, R. (2010). Ramps and Pathways: Developmentally Appropriate, Intellectually Rigorous, and Fun Physical Science. Teaching Young Children, 4(2), 10-12.

Guide

WWW.VIRTUALLABSCHOOL.ORG

ACTIVITY ID: 17571

Name

Certifier

Date

What do you need to spark exploration in your classroom? The answers are only bounded by your own creativity.

Consider adding these materials to your Discovery Center or classroom to encourage explorations of how things move (Zan & Geiken, 2010):

Wood cove molding of various lengths (this can become pathways or ramps for marbles or balls)
Pieces of vinyl or plastic gutter materials (also for ramps or pathways)
Marbles of various sizes
Objects of various sizes, shapes, and textures (spools, blocks, plastic eggs)
Divided organizers
Large wood unit blocks
Interlocking blocks
Cardboard blocks
Large sponges

Consider adding these materials to encourage exploration of water and its properties (Walker, 2010):

Clear beakers
Eye droppers
Funnels
Clear tubing
Measuring cups
Water table
Hose

Consider adding these materials to encourage exploration of light and shadow:

Flashlights
Overhead projector
Sheets (to serve as screens for projection)
Shapes or shadow puppet ideas

Consider adding these materials to encourage exploration of earth and life sciences:

Seeds or seedlings
Dirt and potting soil
Gardening tools
Insects like snails or worms
Composting materials

References:

Walker, K. (2010). Science in Early Childhood Classrooms: Content and Process. Early Childhood Research and Practice.
Zan, B., & Geiken, R. (2010). Ramps and Pathways: Developmentally Appropriate, Intellectually Rigorous, and Fun Physical Science. Teaching Young Children, 4(2), 10-12.