Nature & Science Discovery Area

Children explore nature indoors and in the outdoor learning environment on a daily basis.  They are encouraged to investigate natural elements using magnifying glasses, magnets, hand-held mirrors and pictorial field guides. Below left, a child uses a mirror to investigate a butterfly garden.

Above left, a field trip to a classmate's farm provides a bounty of corn. Nature discovery is often integrated into many other curriculum activities, as well. For instance, acorns, pinecones or locust seed pods are weighed on balanced scales. Sunflowers are measured with rulers and yard sticks. Vines from play yard plants are woven to become "fairy crowns."  Leaves and flower petals are used in art projects. A garden hose is available for sand box play so sculptures, shape prints, water canals or "lakes" are more easily molded.  On a rotating basis, many other sensory nature materials are introduced, such as sea shells, rocks and minerals, ornamental grasses and wildflowers. 

Above, a child and teacher's aide experiment with different tools for creating bubbles; an activity teachers replicated after visiting a children's museum.

Above is one example of drawing children's attention to light and reflections. Children arrange the automotive reflectors backed with Velcro coins. (An idea staff encountered during a trip to Chicago Commons early childhood program.) The effects of light are also highlighted indoors using prisms, wall mirrors, artwork hung in windows, color paddles, jars of colored water, reflectors and plants.