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Hi Tiffani,
Science learning for 20-30 children ages 2.5-8 years should be either in small groups or in centers where the science concepts and content are part of the center. Provide small clipboards or "journals" made by folding a few sheets of blank paper in half so children can draw and write their observations. You decide ahead of time how many children are a good fit for each area.
A few ideas to get you started:
Library center: lots of fiction and non-fiction books with illustrations and photos, including a few animal/plant ID books.
Blocks area: wooden unit blocks and photos of interesting and familiar structures. Lengths for ramps and small cars or balls to roll down them.
Table tops: more blocks, math games and manipulatives. Seed and plant catalogs and scissors to cut out favorite ones or just to cut.
Animal observation center: a window and bird feeder, fish tank, or a container habitat for roly-polies (pill bugs) or beetles (larvae are mealworms)--magnifiers everywhere.
Writing center: a variety of writing/drawing materials so children can experience the properties of pencil lead compared to crayons, etc. A flower or interesting seed pod, or rock to draw and write about.
Sensory table: sand for feeling and building with--first dry and later add a little water to make it damp. Or water and tools to move it: funnels, tubes, scoops, turkey basters...
Read aloud: A book with a dramatic story and large simple illustrations if you are reading to the whole group. Give them something to mark their space on the floor especially if it's at the beginning of the year and don't expect them to sit still--they will pay attention while fidgeting.
Imaginative play area: this can become a science lab with picture recipes to follow or a hospital with x-ray film (children's drawings) and stethoscopes.
When you have your own classroom you will set the expectations at the beginning of the year for behavior and use of materials. See the NAEYC journals and website for helpful blog posts and articles. Read [url=https://www.edutopia.org/discussion/32-strategies-building-positive-learning-environment]advice from other teachers[/url]. Learn about [url=http://teachstone.com/resources/free-books-online-learning/]the CLASS[/url] and watch a few of the [url=https://class.teachstone.com/video_library/video_prek/vid_template_moodle.php?dimension=1]Teachstone videos[/url].
Best wishes,
Peggy
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