Centers are a learning concept that is very popular in K-12 education right now. Basically, centers should have a theme, which is similar to a unit title. Each individual center is a lesson that is part of that larger theme. Students rotate through the centers in groups, doing an activity at each center. By the end of the rotation, the students should be able to put together what they have learned from each center to understand the theme as a whole.
The theme of these science centers is water ecosystems. Each center is designed to take 2-3 weeks, with group sizes of 3-5 students. These centers are multidisciplinary, using art and reading activities as well as traditional science activities to teach science concepts. The centers were created by Kristy Segal and Jeremy Harder for the 2005-2006 4th and 5th grade class at Ophir School.
