Science for Little Explorers: Inquiry-Based Play in Our Classroom.
Help me give my students a science center that will encourage independent exploration and discovery.
FULLY FUNDED! Ms. Carolyn's classroom raised $799
This project is fully funded
My Project
Science is an area that is often overlooked in early childhood education. However, the skills developed through observation and exploration in a child's preschool years support the development of language, cognitive skills, math reasoning, and pre-literacy skills. It also engages a child's curiosity and problem-solving skills.
As a preschool teacher with a previous career in ecology and conservation, I aim to bring science to our classroom through age-appropriate materials and activities.
I have just finished my first year as a special education teacher with a program that serves children with various disabilities as well as typically developing peers. My students have varying interests and abilities, but all of them love to explore our science center. Throughout the year, I change the materials of the center to support our current learning unit. This project will help me provide some basic materials and activities that we are lacking to support inquiry-based play in our classroom.
All of the materials included in this project were chosen to provide my students with a greater variety of independent play opportunities. They love to use our magnet wands and the magnetic manipulatives will enhance their exploration. We have a light table, but have not been able to use it without the necessary accessories or materials. Some of the basic components related to sorting, weighing, measuring, and observing are also needed so that students can freely explore items in the science center.
Funding for this project will have a significant impact on my students' learning and will be used for years to come. It will greatly improve our classroom science center and bring inspiration for inquiry-based learning through exploration, observation, and discovery.
More than a third of students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
Light Table Math Trays - Complete Set
• Lakeshore Learning Materials
$39.99
1
$39.99
MOLIMOLLY Kids Jumbo Magnifying Glass with Stand- 6 Pieces,Ages 3+, Easy Grasp Primary Science Magnifiers with Stand,Science Classroom Accessories, Teacher Supplies, Observation Toys for Kids
• Amazon Business
$38.23
1
$38.23
Magnetic Ten Frame Set: 4 Durable Ten-Frames + 50 Colorful Counters + 50 Math Flash Cards + 5 Dice - Addition & Subtraction - Math Manipulatives Kit for Home, Kindergarten & Elementary Teachers
• Amazon Business
$34.95
1
$34.95
Learning Resources Primary Science Jumbo Test Tubes with Stand, Set of 6 Tubes, Age 3 and up - Preschool-Early Childhood - Toddler - Durable
• School Specialty
$33.74
1
$33.74
Educational Insights GeoSafari Junior My First Microscope - Preschool-Early Childhood - Toddler
• School Specialty
$31.94
1
$31.94
Learning Resources Silly Science Fine Motor Sorting Set, STEM Toys for Kids, Educational Toy, Preschool Fine Motor Skills, PreK Manipulatives, 55 Pieces, Age 3+
• Amazon Business
Got Dragon 12-Pack Bulk Empty Plastic Juice Bottles Reusable Water Bottles to work great as Sensory Bottles and Smoothie Bottles with Black Lids Great for Sensory Crafts and Calming Bottles 400ml
• Amazon Business
$17.99
1
$17.99
Learning Resources Simple Tape Measure, 4 Feet Long, White - Preschool-Early Childhood - Toddler
• School Specialty
$16.72
1
$16.72
Constructive Playthings Translucent Pattern Blocks, Light Table Manipulatives, STEM Toys, Sensory Play, Create, Build and Design, Color Exploration, Set of 147 Blocks, Toys for Kids 3 Years and Up
• Amazon Business
$16.39
1
$16.39
hand2mind MathLink Cubes Numberblocks 1-10 Activity Set, 30 Preschool Learning Activities, Counting Blocks, Linking Cubes, Educational Toys for Kids, Number Games, Math Manipulatives Kindergarten
• Amazon Business
$16.10
1
$16.10
Dandat 10 Pcs Small Mirrors for Kids Toddler Mirror Child Safe Shatter Proof 6 x 4 Inch Unbreakable Classroom Mirror for Craft Bulk Round Corners Square in Preschool Bathroom(Mixed Colors)
• Amazon Business
$14.99
1
$14.99
BBPOOL Frog Balance Cool Math Counting Game Educational Early Learning Scale STEM Toys Gifts for Preschool Toddlers Kids Age 3 4 5 6
• Amazon Business
$14.44
1
$14.44
edxeducation Double-Sided Geoboard Set | Set of 6 with Rubber Bands | Ages 3+ | Math Resources, Fine Motor Skills for Kids | 5 x 5 Grid/12 Pin Circular Array
• Amazon Business
hand2mind Foam Blocks, Counting Cubes for Kids Math, 1 Inch Blocks for Preschool Crafts, Early Math Manipulatives for Preschool, Classroom Supplies for Teachers Elementary (Pack of 100)
• Amazon Business
$13.99
1
$13.99
Translucent Gems
• Lakeshore Learning Materials
$13.99
1
$13.99
Translucent Color Chips - Set of 500
• Lakeshore Learning Materials
$13.99
1
$13.99
SI Manufacturing Light Table Discovery Tray
• School Specialty
$2.79
4
$11.16
Learning Resources STEM Explorers -Ages 5+, Magnet Movers, Critical Thinking Skills, STEM Certified Toys, Magnets Kids,Magnet Set,Back to School Supplies,39 Pieces
• Amazon Business
$10.99
1
$10.99
Geosafari Compass Binoculars - Game
• AKJ Education
$10.94
1
$10.94
Learning Resources Color Paddles - Set of 18 Paddles, Grades PreK/Ages 3+ Preschool Science for Kids, Classroom Supplies,Back to School Supplies,Teacher Supplies
• Amazon Business
$9.99
1
$9.99
JUNWRROW 300 Pieces 5 Color Magnetic Transparent Bingo Counting Chips with Metal Edge
• Amazon Business
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.
As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Ms. Carolyn and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
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