How to setup a Science lab for a preschooler in home ?

Question

I have a basement and I would like to setup a mini science lab for my 4 yr old. Nothing outlandish, I would basically like to setup a play area for her where she can play with sand, water, do some mini science experiments with everyday objects but not making the basement too messy. How can I setup one without making it a construction project using concrete etc...

Thanks for your suggestions

Answer 1

If you don't have laminate flooring then I would suggest a shower curtain taped to the floor or something similar.  But tape it because it causes tripping hazards :-)  

There are available sand/water tables.  I personally like to switch my "sensory" every week.  To keep it contained I use a dish tub (dollar store) and a plastic wading pool.

Create visual boundaries.  In a center, we like to use the shelving units as our visual boundaries.  We make nooks and crannies and the children know...for the most part... that this "work" stays here.  Decide what area you want to use for the science center and create boundaries... shelving unit(s), table(s).  I would suggest at least one work table and a shelving unit.  Target carries many decent shelving units for kids.  That way your child can have access to various materials.  I keep mine organized by using clear stelite containers and having a picture label on the container as well as on the spot on the shelf.  They are well able to keep it organized if they are taught to put one thing away before starting the next.  There is that magnetic paint available that you can paint on a portion of your wall...that way any "work" can but put up on display.  :-)  Just a little thought about tables.  One thing that I notice about this age is they are just starting to enjoy "projects" that take more than one day.  So consider a second smaller table or a portion of a larger table to designate as the "save" table.  We definately want to encourage them to plan and think out their activity and continue it if unable to finish.  How fun!  What a great parent you are!

Answer 2

In addition to the great ideas already posted, bring in things for her to wonder about, such as  several different kinds of sea shells and magnifying glasses so she can study them up close. supply her with magnets and a box of things to sort ouit using the magnet , such as a plastic spoon and a metal spoon, a plastic bottle cap and a metal bottle cap.

When you share her excitement at the things she discovers you will be sending the information that science is fun and important.

Answer 3

Just have laminate flooring, or cover floor in washable blankets-like ones used for camping! This way mess doesnt matter.

You can have cork boards on the walls for her to stick pictures and things up-also stops mess getting on walls.

You can have things like:

-as you said sand and water tray-maybe some boxes with buckets, spades, jugs, sponges, pipes (you can buy from DIY stores) etc so she can choose what to use and combine equipment.

-Nature area: maybe plants or things she's collected from outside so she can see science in the natural world-eg growth of a flower! Or you can make a worm farm or ant farm to watch.

-Living creatures-similar to above-maybe fish or giant land snails for her to watch and care for.

-HAve messy play such as cornflour, playdough, jelly etc than she can explore and have fun with!

-Have open play area in their where she choose direction of the play-with long tubes, blankets, old boxes---then she has random materials for all her 'crazy' ideas :)