Present early space-science activities as inquiry-based learning integrated with play, informed by children's existing mental models¶

Strategy · All strategies
Evidence · no claims cited

Description¶

The article recommends that "early science learning activities targeting space science concepts, including the day and night cycle, should be inquiry-based and presented within the context of play." Science activities should be informed by children's existing mental models and present developmentally appropriate hands-on activities inviting children to be physically, mentally, and emotionally active participants. The author notes play is an endorsed pedagogical tool in the Turkish Preschool Education Program and cites studies linking integrated play and science instruction to engagement and conceptual understanding.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• Instruction must be informed by descriptions of children's existing mental models of the targeted phenomena

Constraints¶

• The effectiveness claims for play-integrated inquiry are supported by cited literature, not tested in this study

Target Learners¶

• young children in preschools and kindergartens

Target Learning Goals¶

• scientific thinking skills
• conceptual understanding of scientific phenomena such as the day and night cycle

Affordances¶

• Mental Models Framework Day Night Cycle

Related Strategies¶

Examples¶

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Key Sources¶

• Saçkes, M. (2015). Kindergartners' Mental Models of the Day and Night Cycle: Implications for Instructional Practices in Early Childhood Classrooms. Educational Sciences: Theory & Practice, 15(4), 997-1006. https://doi.org/10.12738/estp.2015.4.2741