Meraka Institute CSIR Anita van Deventer Science and Technology Awareness for Preschool Children: a Working Model
Jan 20, 2016
Meraka Institute CSIR
Anita van Deventer
Science and Technology Awareness for Preschool Children: a Working Model
© CSIR 2007 www.csir.co.za
• Why Science and Technology
• The Process
• Outcomes
• The Model
Overview
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Introduce Science and Technology to preschool children
- Fun
- Hands-on
- Once a week
“Give Science and Technology meaning”
TekkiTots Project
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Why Science and Technology?
• Need more scientists and engineers “The knowledge generated by basic sciences forms the core
support for economic growth and improved quality of life. The attrition and ageing science researchers is identified in the South African Research and Development Strategy as a concern for South Africa”
(Department of Science and Technology: Online)
• Early investment with regards to knowledge skill and attitude (Children do not “know” what science and
technology are)
• Preschool children are eager to explore and learn
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Started in 2006
• Need for Science and Technology at Morning Star Montessori
• ICT in Education, Youth and Gender research group(Explore the possibility of introducing science and technology to preschool children)
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Become part of the environment
Learn through practical experience
With What and How?
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The need to understand:
• The environment (real world)
• Children (behaviour and skills)
• What appropriate content is (chromatography or mixing of colours?)
• How to present the content (demonstration/hands-on)
Discovered
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Action Research
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The process
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Project Partners
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OutcomesCycle 1 (2006)
Cycle 2 (2007)
Cycle 3 (2008)
Goal Develop Content
Test method and content with more
educators & children
Streamline the process to minimize input from
Meraka and empower students
Schools 1 4 8
Students 1 18 34
Children 6 97 200+
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Unintended Outcomes
Students (tomorrows parents)
- Roll models- Discover aspects about themselves and others (Life
skills: responsibility, commit, plan and organise) - Change in attitude towards S&T
- Experience“This was a tale of Three young men, two from the engineering front, one from publishing who were given a chance to learn something a classroom couldn't teach, and learnt something no mark could reflect. “
http://blogs.up.ac.za/jcp2008/index.php/home/
© CSIR 2007 www.csir.co.za
Positive attitude of parents towards Science and Technology in preschools (Sunnyside)
“This is a good initiative. Continue with it. My daughter really enjoys the classes”
“Amohelang really enjoys TekkiTots! classes. She does not stop talking about teacher KB! She says teacher KB is the best!!”
“I would like to S&T being take serious at all levels of learning,learners being told about importance of S&T”
Unintended Outcomes
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TekkiTots and teachers
- Threat
- Observe from a distance
- Opportunity to take part, contribute and eventually take over
Unintended Outcomes
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The Environment
The Model
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• Presenter attitude, preparation, planning & commitment
• Children do not know
• Learning ears + eyes + hands= Experience
• Language issues
• It takes time to change attitudes
General Observations
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• Meraka Institute – UP(JCP)
• TekkiTots content onto mobile phones
2009
Thank you