How to Create a Science Shelf that Invites Exploration
Creating an inviting science shelf (or table) can spark or grow a child’s love of science. Whether they use it as a potential career starter or not, they will be richer for it. Having a grasp on the world around them and how it works will build a well-rounded child.
A science shelf or area doesn’t have to be just for younger children. Any age can enjoy exploring with the right materials and tools. I want to share with you some ideas for starting your own science shelf in your homeschool.
If you’re not familiar with the idea of strewing in your homeschool, you’ll want to check out these strewing ideas and projects to inspire you, too.
How to Create a Science Shelf
If you don’t have a dedicated space for a school room, consider using a shelf in the living room or creating a science area on a rolling cart to bring out during the day. Some items can be safely stored in a large basket as well.
This one has a cute nature theme —
Science books that don’t read like a dry textbook will draw kids in and teach them things that will stick. Living books are the heart of the shelf! My favorites for younger children are the Let’s Read and Find Out Series.
A logbook or journal is also handy for kids to record their observations, sketch, or add items they collect. Field guides are a must and can be found for flowers and plants, birds, and everything in between to be left on the shelf as well as taken on nature walks.
Read more: Homeschooling with Living Books
Natural items–
Pinecones, rocks/gems, seashells, discarded snake skins, empty wasp nests, mushrooms, leaves, flowers, seeds, skeletons, butterflies, eggs, etc. Items you find on nature walks or even sand and shells you collect on vacation are ideal for adding to your collection. Let the kids add what they like in addition to your setup.
Replica items–
While I love my science shelf to have plenty of natural items there is also some value in small replicas like Safari Ltd. Toobs. They give you a chance to see items like animal skulls, frog life cycles, or a replica of human organs. Add a small solar system model for your little space lovers. Leave a variety of items out, whether you scatter random things or stick with the theme you are currently learning about.
Tools–
Magnets, tweezers, microscopes, telescope, magnifying glass, containers for holding found treasures, eyedroppers, thermometer, maybe bunsen burners and beakers for older kids. We have added items that we also take on nature walks like binoculars, a compass, and an inexpensive camera.
Borrow items–
Many libraries loan a lot more than just books — you can borrow animal skeletons, microscopes, and telescopes. Trade and borrow with homeschooling friends, within your co-op or in the community to keep your “inventory” fresh and varied.
Encourage their passion –
If your child shows a particular interest in something by all means encourage their interest by adding books and items pertaining to the subject. Maybe it’s birds, but it may be space or perhaps they are fascinated by geology.
Keep it fresh–
If your kids are still enjoying and investigating the items on your science shelf then leave it as long as they like. But if you notice less and less interest, it’s time to change it up and update it. Swap out some of the books, add new nature items, and investigative tools. Put out seasonal items for children to look at — abandoned bird nests in the spring, caterpillars in a butterfly habitat in summer, crisp leaves showing off their veins in the fall.
Build upwards–
If you have the wall space above or beside your science area, add some posters or information sheets as well. Bright colored informative posters for birds, the solar system, or one on the periodic table of elements can help kids visualize these concepts.
What would you put on your science shelf? Have you ever tried this? Let me know in the comments!
While you’re here, you might also be interested in these posts:
10 Elementary Science Necessities for your Homeschool
11 Ways to Connect your Child to Nature
Why you Need Nature Walks in your Homeschool {and How to Do Them}
Read more in the 10 Days of Nature Study series:
- Thanksgiving Mad Libs for Kids - November 15, 2024
- Eclectic Homeschooling with Master Books Curriculum - November 9, 2024
- Integrating Music Into Your Homeschool Curriculum: A Step-By-Step Guide - November 6, 2024
Your ideas are *awesome,* and I can see my kids loving a setup like this. How do you get your kids to put things back on that shelf? Whenever my kids use a flashlight or play with our shells or whatever, they end up wherever the kid happened to lose interest.
Thanks! I have to chuckle a little because I know exactly what you mean. It sort of depends on their age and personality. It does take a bit to get in the habit of putting things back where they belong. One of my daughters is still like that even though she’s 11 now. She gets caught up in what she’s doing and wanders off with things to explore (like the magnifying glass) and forgets to put them back. With a smaller house now, it’s generally easy to find. Sometimes the science shelf things end up in the toy bin accidentally. I’ve also found things lined up on her bedroom window sill or around the Kindle chargers. My oldest and youngest daughters are much better about it now because they like to have things organized. I’ve actually bought extras of the smaller, inexpensive things just to have a supply on hand. Some to use and some to lose as the saying goes. 😉 I wish I had better organization skills myself! Sorry, that’s probably not too helpful. I tend to just explain that it’s important to put things back there so we can find them again when we need them and everyone has a chance to use them equally. I know Charlotte Mason covers a lot with habit training, so that might be something to consider. I do have a free habit tracker printable that might help: https://heartandsoulhomeschooling.com/habits-and-character-thoughts-from-charlotte-mason/