Friday, November 16, 2012

DIY Science Center from a Baby Crib

Interested in how to refurbish a crib into a science center? It is not one of those DIY projects that you get into and don't finish until months later. Once you've got supplies, it takes maybe an hour. Perhaps even less.


When we set out making our science centers, we put them on the lowest setting to get them down on floor sitting level, and, of course, we detach the front crib rail.



Next comes neutral colored burlap. Cut it into strips and twist/weave it around the back of the crib.
Then hot glue the mirrors to the back. You can get them at Hobby Lobby or Michael's.  




Attach hooks to the sides for whatever tools you need. We use these simple Command hooks for safety goggles and giant magnifying glasses. 




A matching set of baskets, one on either side gives a place to store natural materials, an observation notebook, or books for reading. A pencil cup holds writing tools, tweezers, a magnifying glass, etc. 



A plant really makes the center have a natural "sciencey" look I just switched mine out to a bigger one, to fill up the space even more. 



 At first I used the original crib bottom, but this year Rebekah laminated black butcher paper to use as a base. It gives it a fresh and cleaner look, and you can wipe it clean!



Last add a body pillow or seat cushions to the floor for kneeling during your explorations. Sometimes my kids are more interested in sitting IN the crib, but we try.



Finished.
       


And... ta-da! Your science center is created! Adding new fresh materials and experiments keeps the kids coming back interested in more. Pictured on top is: "Classify by size. Does it fit through a paper towel roll? Yes. No." Below: Canisters to shake and match by sound. 


No comments:

Post a Comment