ERIC Number: EJ1467786
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2025
Pages: 17
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1350-293X
EISSN: EISSN-1752-1807
Available Date: 0000-00-00
Children's Understanding and STEM-Related Experiences of Solar Energy and Technologies in a Smart Kindergarten in Norway
Johana Evelyn Montalvan Castilla1
European Early Childhood Education Research Journal, v33 n2 p194-210 2025
In the quest to tackle complex societal and environmental challenges, Norway stands as one of the nations that are increasingly incorporating and transitioning to renewable and green energy solutions, particularly solar energy and technologies. In this context, science and technology education, starting from an early age, have been highlighted as important to achieving carbon-neutrality goals and sustainable futures. That notwithstanding, a significant knowledge gap persists regarding young children's understanding and experiences with renewable energy and technologies. This study explores kindergarten children's STEM-related knowledge and experiences, particularly regarding solar energy and technologies. Specifically, the study focuses on a pioneering kindergarten in Stavanger, Norway, that relies on solar technologies for warmth and waste management. After using a comprehensive qualitative case study approach, the study's findings underscore the effectiveness of experiential learning and multi-method approaches within early education, particularly in enhancing children's knowledge about renewable energy and technologies.
Descriptors: STEM Education, Elementary School Science, Energy, Technology, Children, Kindergarten, Foreign Countries, Sustainability, Experiential Learning, Prior Learning, Childrens Attitudes, Knowledge Level, Teaching Methods
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Education; Early Childhood Education; Kindergarten; Primary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Norway
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: 1Department of Early Childhood Education, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway