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Educators implementing the ScienceStart! curriculum should begin with a well-equipped early childhood classroom following the requirements of developmentally appropriate practice, local licensing requirements, and state guidelines for preschool classrooms. Obviously, safety is a primary concern. Educators are responsible for making sure that equipment is well-maintained and that children are trained to use materials and equipment in safe and responsible ways.
Learning Centers
The use of the physical space in the classroom should be planned carefully to meet the needs of the children. Learning centers should include: a reading corner, a dramatic play area, a science center, a writing center, a block area, a manipulative center, an art center, a sensory area, and a music center. Most early childhood classrooms also have a computer area for children. Each of these centers should be planned and well-equipped for use by small groups of children, usually three to five children at a time. Storage areas for materials should be labeled with words and pictures so that children can easily be responsible for taking materials out to play with and putting them away.
Large Group Area
The large group area of the classroom should be large enough to accommodate all of the children sitting in a circle to discuss topics for the day and to participate in science demonstrations. It is highly recommended that there be a large teaching easel in this area with chart paper and markers for use in documenting predictions and plans as well as results of science activities.
Science Table
The science table in the classroom should be large enough to display a variety of materials and books dealing with the current science topic. These materials will change on a weekly basis and should be available to the children for use during free play time.
Display Areas
Display areas for children's work should be available and low enough so that children can easily see the displays. The children's work should be the central feature of all classroom displays and these should be labeled so that visitors to the classroom can easily understand the purpose and theme of the display.
Reading Area
The reading area of the classroom should be filled with a variety of high-quality children's literature, both fiction and non-fiction. It should always include 15 to 20 books on the current science topic that the children are investigating. In addition, the reading area should contain books that have been written by the children about the current science topic.
Digital Imaging
It is very important that every ScienceStart! classroom have a digital camera available for daily use as well as the equipment necessary to store, edit and print the photos taken. These photos will become a part of science displays and books written by the children.
Materials for each Curriculum Module
Additional materials are needed for each curriculum module:
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