Loose parts are a vitally important and hugely popular resource at PCS: they are a choice time staple, a STEAM essential, and an indispensable material for project-based learning.

The term “loose parts” was coined by Architect Simon Nicholson to refer to materials in an environment that can be moved, carried, combined, redesigned, lined up, and taken apart and put back together in multiple ways. They are materials with no specific set of directions, that can be used alone or combined with other material, and Nicholson found them to be uniquely suited to empowering creativity.

Students find them uniquely fun! Watch below as Kindergarten students reflect on the inventions they created with some of the loose parts in their environment.