ERIC Number: EJ1471301
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2025
Pages: 24
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: EISSN-2146-5711
Available Date: 0000-00-00
Space Adventure for Little Explorers: Implementing the Engineering and Entrepreneurship Design Process in Preschool Education
Journal of Inquiry Based Activities, v15 n1 p18-41 2025
This study aimed to design, implement, and evaluate the feasibility of an activity titled "Space Adventure for Little Explorers", integrating the engineering and entrepreneurship design model within the STEM education framework into preschool education. The activity was structured in four stages: (1) Discovery with the Family, (2) Sharing My Discoveries, (3) Engineering and Entrepreneurship Design Process, and (4) Design Evaluation. The study was conducted with 20 kindergarten students (11 girls, 9 boys) aged five, attending a public primary school during the 2023-2024 academic year. Students with special needs were excluded. The "I Design My Own Rocket" activity was implemented over three days. A qualitative case study approach was employed, gathering data from preschool teachers, students, and their families. Findings indicated that considering students' readiness levels and employing various teaching techniques during phase transitions enhanced the activity's effectiveness. The integration of abstract concepts with real-life experiences facilitated students' conceptual understanding. Additionally, family-school collaboration and peer learning contributed significantly to the learning process. The activity provided students with hands-on experiences in problem-solving and engineering concepts, fostering creativity and engagement. It also improved their cooperation and communication skills. Students found the activity enjoyable and expressed a desire to participate again. Family involvement played a crucial role in enhancing learning motivation and self-confidence. It also supported students in developing information-seeking skills, reinforcing peer learning, and enriching the overall learning experience. In conclusion, integrating the engineering and entrepreneurship design model into preschool STEM education was found to be a feasible and effective approach.
Descriptors: Engineering Education, Entrepreneurship, Preschool Education, Learning Activities, STEM Education, Aerospace Education, Family Involvement, Information Seeking, Learning Experience, Learning Motivation, Self Esteem, Problem Solving, Family School Relationship, Learning Processes, Kindergarten, Instructional Effectiveness, Lesson Plans, Foreign Countries
Journal of Inquiry Based Activities. 61st Street, No: 14/8, Mentese, Mugla, 48000 Turkey. e-mail: editor.ated@gmail.com; Web site: https://www.ated.info.tr/index.php/ated
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research; Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: Early Childhood Education; Preschool Education; Elementary Education; Kindergarten; Primary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Turkey
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A