Create an environment for exploration and discovery! By encouraging children to discover, approach, explore with enthusiasm, and problem solve, you can enhance their natural sense of wonder.

Start by setting up the environment to allow children access to materials and experiences that draw out their inquisitive nature. When questions arise, help them to answer the question for themselves while encouraging them to hypothesize about the scientific world in which they live. Try to record what they say in pictures and/or words.

Think of your whole room as a science laboratory. Look at everything a child does in the environment as a possible science experience and an opportunity to learn and discover something about the world. Scientific thinking does not happen just in the science center. Science happens in every learning center and outdoors. Remember, science is everywhere!

Here are a few ways to incorporate scientific exploration in the classroom environment:

Block/construction center: Encourage children to design their center or home through building materials, making blueprints, or surveying the center
Manipulative or art center: Include a variety of materials, such as plastic, metal, wood, and Styrofoam
Sensory center: Include different types of textures, sand, soil, and water
Outdoors: Explore the temperature outside. Is it warm or cold? Investigate the plants on the playground, the critters living in the ground, and even the shadows
Dramatic play/kitchen: Engage children in the play of cooking and ask them to discuss the foods we eat and cook
Science center: Explore electricity and its uses with appliances or batteries, the natural elements around us, how our body works, and gravity
Pet area: Interact with living creatures
Computer center: Show children how to research and conduct investigations
Library center: Discover books on scientific elements

You get the idea. The possibilities are unlimited!