Science Tool Kits for the Classroom

Science Tool Kits for the Classroom
www.littlesciencebird.com
One great learning resource for the classroom is a tool kit students can use for exploring and observing the world around them.  I have two in my classroom that students use everyday during centers.  I started with $8 tool boxes from my local discount store—the kind with trays in the top.  I put two pieces of black felt in the bottom of each one that can be used as a sort of placemat for laying out items to examine.  In the bottom I put large items like pieces of coral, larger seashells and rocks, pieces of wood that have holes from insects, leaves of different shapes and colors, insect specimens in small containers or plastic bags, bags of soil samples, and anything else students bring in to share or that you find interesting. 
 
In the tray I put at least two magnifying glasses, a pair of tweezers, two small hand mirrors, pens and pencils, and strips of paper for recording observations.  I also put small, more fragile, items for observation in the tray where they are less likely to get smashed. 
 
Students have access to these each day during centers.  They get so excited about these kits I don’t have to worry about keeping new things in them—they bring things from home, find things on the playground, etc. and they bring in everything I need to keep it interesting.

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