The effects of STEM activities on the problem-solving skills of 6-year-old preschool children

ABSTRACT

In this study, the effects of STEM activities on the problem-solving skills of preschool children were investigated. A two-group (study: n = 18 and control: n = 18) pre-test/post-test/retention test experimental design was conducted to collected data using a researcher developed General Information Form and an established Problem-Solving Skills Scale (4–7 years). The STEM activities prepared by the researcher were applied in the experimental group three days a week for eight weeks in addition to the National Education Program, whereas only the National EDUCATION Program was applied for the control group. As a result of the analyses, it was determined that STEM activities cause a significant difference in the problem-solving skills of 6-year-old preschool children (p < 0.05). The results showed that the effect of STEM activities on the problem-solving skills of 6-year-old preschool children is positive.

KEYWORDS:

• Word
• STEM
• problem-solving skills
• preschool
• early childhood

Acknowledgements

This research is from the master thesis of the first author. In this process, the second author was the advisor.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Ethical approval

Necessary permissions were obtained from University Academic Ethics Committee.

Informed consent

Informed consent was obtained from all individual participants included in the study