MTA’s favourite new resources to captivate little scientists

Exploration. Problem-solving. Understanding the world. Introducing science to young children supports learning in so many ways. Early exposure to concepts in physics, chemistry, biology, geology and early STEM fosters curiosity, creativity and critical thinking, supports the development of logical reasoning and promotes an appreciation for all the wonders of the world.

 

MTA’s educational specialists have selected a range of innovative science resources proven to captivate budding biologists and little explorers. With an emphasis on hands-on, engaging fun, we’re putting MTA’s latest science resources under the microscope!

 

Launch learning into outer space

Rocketing into outer space and the solar system can be thrilling and awe-inspiring. MTA has curated an interactive Early Explorers: Solar System Kit  that is perfect for young space pioneers. The kit includes a 3D wooden solar system, printed blocks, a puzzle and a book (resources are available both separately or in the kit). The kit is suitable for children aged 3+ years.

 

• Wooden Solar System: Learn about the location of planets in our solar system, differences in size, planet names and characteristics. The wooden base plate has indented spaces for the wooden planet balls to sit in. There is a ring on the board for each planet, to help children easily understand which planets are closest to the sun. 
• Playing with Planets Blocks: This set shows the planets of our solar system illustrated on one side and the names and size on the other side. Blocks are proportional so children get an idea of which planets are the largest, and which are the smallest! 
• My Very First Space Book: In this non-fiction story, children learn about planets, stars, asteroids, space travel and more – whilst learning new words too.
• Solar System Floor Puzzle: This 48-piece thick, durable cardboard puzzle inspires children to explore the wonders of the Universe. 

 

Explore the world through treasure blocks

Help children explore butterflies, leaves, shells, feathers and other natural treasures, or watch as children have fun playing with their reflections and learning about themselves. This Treasure Blocks set is a perfect way to introduce children to everyday items and encourage them to explore the world around them. The eight blocks contain natural objects on one side and a mirror on the other. The wooden frames are designed to be safe and comfortable for young children, with rounded edges and a smooth finish.

 

Magnifying magic

Magnifying glasses are such a great tool to introduce science, nature and investigation to children, putting the power in the hands of children and letting them explore at their own pace. This All-Weather Magnifying Glass Set is made with soft-touch plastic and designed to be comfortable for small hands to hold. Each magnifier provides 5X magnification, features a scratch-resistant glass lens, durable and ideal for young children exploring the great outdoors! Suitable for children aged 3+ years.

 

Get up close to the world’s wonders

This natural Wooden Microscope is perfect for young scientists! Featuring a large viewing lens with 5X magnification; a platform which can be moved up and down to suit samples of various sizes; and a double-sided plastic plate in the base, which provides a white or black background for optimal viewing of samples of different colours. Use this wooden microscope to get up close to everyday objects, including leaves and flowers, rocks and indoor items like fabrics! Suited for budding biologists ages 3+ years.

 

Go digging for dinosaurs

MTA has two new and exciting dinosaur-themed science resources ideal for little paleontologists and dinosaur-lovers. Both sets are suitable for children aged 2+ years.

 

• Let’s Investigate: Prehistoric Teeth Sensory Stones are perfect for hands-on learning as children dig up dinosaur teeth from a range of dinosaurs. Educators can also use these teeth models as playdough stamps or make crayon/pencil rubbings to get a better look at the patterns of the different types of teeth. These durable teeth are made from a stone mix, and are suitable for use in sand, soil, mud and water. Activity cards provide extra-engaging playtime! 

 

• Let’s Investigate – Dinosaur Footprints are captivating 90 x 60 mm stones suitable for use in sand, soil, mud and water. Children can dig them up, make rubbings with pencils and crayons or use them as playdough stamps. Each double-sided stone shows a footprint and a dinosaur. The set includes dinosaurs from Stegosaurus and Triceratops to Tyrannosaurus Rex. 

 

Educators can spark discussions about different types of dinosaurs, and why they have different footprints. How did their habitats and diets relate to their body shape and size, and the functionality of their legs and feet? How do we know what their footprints looked like? What information gets preserved in mud and rock, and how do we analyse it to learn about what dinosaurs looked like and how they lived? 

 

Examine nature with specimen stones  

MTA has a beautiful range of specimen stones that cover plants, sea creatures, insects and more! All made with shatter-resistant acrylic, these stone sets make an exquisite addition to a science corner, and are presented with a wooden tabletop display stand that measures 22.4 x 16.8 x 35 cm. Educators can then use the resources as a stand when getting up-close to the stones using magnifying glasses. Suitable for children aged 2+ years.

 

• Explore real-life plants up close with this set of nine durable Plants Specimen Stones with Stand. The specimen stones are perfect for young scientists learning about nature.  Children can line stones up in rows in the stand according to colour, size, species, and other similarities!

 

• Then it’s time for insects! Explore real-life bugs up close with these Bug Specimen Stones with Stand! Children can line stones up in rows in the stand according to colour, size, species, and other similarities. Bug Specimen Stones Set includes: wasp, moth, beetles and spiders.

 

• Next up, to the ocean! Explore real-life marine creatures up close with this set of nine Sea Creatures Specimen Stones with Stand. The set includes shrimp, sea anemone, hermit crab, seahorse, red algae and more. 

 

Under a magnifying glass or microscope these real-life ocean specimens can help in small group play with conversation starters such as: 

 

What differences can children spot between various species of sea creatures?

 

What colours can they identify?

 

Can they draw the creatures on paper and label the different body parts?

 

All about Animals Activity Kits

 

MTA has also assembled a wonderful ‘All About Animals’ Kit full of hands-on learning and fun.

 

• One standout resource in the kit is an Early Years Flip Chart Set that provides laminated charts and information on one side, plus a variety of write on-write off activities on the other side. The charts are spiral bound on a sturdy free-standing easel for easy display, ideal for small group instruction, children working independently, learning centre activities or as a teaching resource.

 

• The kit also includes Mini Beast Specimen Viewers with handles, which can become little scientists’ very own special viewers to both hold and stand as a display. The viewers are super safe and don’t break, perfect for hours of exploration!

 

• Also in the kit are Wooden Life Cycle Blocks that wonderfully illustrate the life cycles of animals familiar to many children such asa moth, a butterfly, a chicken and a frog. Children can see how the animal develops through a series of changes from infancy to adulthood. These beechwood blocks are brilliant as a toy for early literacy, science and practicing hand eye co-ordination.

 

Ready to explore scintillating science? To learn more about MTA’s extensive specialist science range, or see the full range of MTA products, visit their website here. To connect with your local consultant, reach out to MTA by phone on 1800 251 497 or email [email protected]