• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Menu
  • Science Experiments For Kids
  • Science Fair Projects
  • Preschool Science
  • Science Facts
  • Printable Experiments
  • Science Sparks Books
  • Science Questions
  • Contact Me
Science Experiments for Kids
Menu
  • STEM Challenges
  • Early Years Science
    • Preschool Science
    • Sensory and Messy Play
    • Understanding of the World
    • Pirate Science Experiments
  • Primary Science
    • Baking Soda Experiments
    • Candy Experiments
    • Biology
    • Climate Change for Kids
    • Coding for Kids
    • Chemistry
    • Electricity for Kids
    • Magic Science Experiments
    • Harry Potter Experiments
    • Human Body Science
    • Air Pressure Experiments
    • Life Cycles
    • LEGO Science Experiments
    • Kitchen Science
    • Famous Scientists
    • Forces and Motion
    • Science Sparks Snippets
    • Key Stage 1 Science
      • Animals
      • Everyday Materials
      • Plants
      • Coding Activities
      • Humans and Health
      • Fine Motor skills
      • Science and Literacy
    • Key Stage 2 Science
      • Animals, Including Humans
      • Electricity
      • Light
      • Plants
      • Materials and their Properties
  • Key Stage 3
  • Holiday Science
    • Christmas Science
    • Halloween Science
    • Easter Science
  • Storybook Themed Science Experiments
  • Wonderful Women in STEM
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • FREE Experiments
  • Science for Kids
    • Kitchen Science
    • Climate Change
    • Egg Experiments
    • Fairy Tale Science
    • Edible Science
    • Human Health
    • Chemistry
    • Inspirational Women
    • Forces and Motion
  • Science Fair Projects
  • STEM Challenges
  • Science Sparks Books
  • Contact Science Sparks
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Science Experiments for Kids » Great Resources for Early Years

    Great Resources for Early Years

    March 10, 2015 By Emma Vanstone Leave a Comment

    I try very hard with Science Sparks to only use equipment and materials generally found around the home, so people don’t have to buy lots of resources to carry out our activities, but there are a few items that make great resources for Early Years settings or for a science at home box.

    Magnets

    We used these horseshoe magnets from Learning Resources ALL the time.

    LEGO magnet maze

     

    We’ve been lucky enough to review the Primary Science Magnet set which is full of great props for fun learning, my children especially love the maze and little cars.

    I also recently bought the Super Magnet Lab Set which is jam packed full of magnets, little balls and counters. The magnetic wands are especially good, and a great way to demonstrate attracting and repelling.

    DSC_0042

    Marbles

    We use marbles for making marble runs, counting, rolling down ramps, density activities and most recently for our model of the Earth. This set of  Assorted Marbles has been brilliant.

    DSC_0079

     

    Pipettes

    I usually buy plastic pipettes very cheaply from Amazon, you can get a pack of 50 for just a couple of pounds. We use pipettes for vinegar activities as well as magic milk experiments and general free play with water.

    Bucket Balance

    The super bucket balance from Learning Resources is something else we use frequently. It forms part of our play shop where we compare weights of chocolate bars and other snacks as well as play food.

    DSC_0007

    Counters

    We’ve used these fish counters in lots of different ways. We have them in the bath for counting, use them to work out simple sums, we’ve frozen them in ice and been ice fishing and used as props in more activities than I can count.
    Water pollution EYFS

    They are also great for fine motor control activities, in conjunction with chunky tweezers.

    fine motor skill ideas

    Timer

    This little timer from Learning Resources is something else that gets used over and over again in our activities.

    DSC_0031

    Stethoscope

    This stethoscope from Learning Resources is fantastic, sturdy and easy to use. Perfect for learning about the heart. You could even try an investigation to find out how exercise affects heart rate.

    LEGO and DUPLO

    Lego and Duplo are expensive to buy if you don’t already have some, but so worth it. If I could only keep one toy, it would be Lego.

    Pipes

    We use our half pipes a huge amount in Summer. We roll balls down them, water the garden, race boats etc.

    Tuff Spot

    I love our Tuff Spot because it keeps mess contained, can you imagine how much cleaning up this would’ve taken without one?

    Splatter patterns

    For more messy science fun, how about this brilliant volcano kit from Learning Resources?

    ICT Equipment

    This new STEM robot from Learning Resources would be a great addition to ICT kit.

    We also love Bee-Bots and tunnels available from TTS, they were both brilliant for a coding club I ran last term. The children set themselves some very difficult challenges planning routes through the tunnels and often succeeded with their coding of the Bee-Bots which was lovely to see.

    Bee-Bot tunnel

    Have a I missed anything? What are the most useful resources you own?

    great-resources-for-early-years

     

     

    Last Updated on July 24, 2016 by Emma Vanstone

    « Great science experiments for girls
    Coding for kids – mapping a route »

    Safety Notice

    Science Sparks ( Wild Sparks Enterprises Ltd ) are not liable for the actions of activity of any person who uses the information in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources. Science Sparks assume no liability with regard to injuries or damage to property that may occur as a result of using the information and carrying out the practical activities contained in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources.

    These activities are designed to be carried out by children working with a parent, guardian or other appropriate adult. The adult involved is fully responsible for ensuring that the activities are carried out safely.

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Primary Sidebar

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

    What are you looking for?

    JOIN US!

    Get new experiments straight into your inbox every week!!

    Thank you!

    You have successfully joined our subscriber list.

    .

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    Science Sparks - FREE science experiments for kids

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Services
    • Media Kit
    • FAQ

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2022 Science Sparks - Wild Sparks Enterprises Ltd