The effects of STEM education with waste materials on the scientific process skills and development skills in preschool students

In the research, the effect of STEM education, which consists of waste materials, on the scientific process skills and development skills of preschool student was examined. The sample of the research consists of 20 students studying in a kindergarten in a medium-sized city in the Eastern Anatolia region in the 2019-2020 academic year. A mixed method, which combines both qualitative and quantitative methods, was used in the research. In the research, a single- group pre- test and post- test desing was created in order to determine the scientific process skills and development skills of the pre-school students of STEM education, which consists of waste materials. The analysis of the quantitative data obtained during the research process was made with statistical methods and the analysis of qualitative data was made with content analysis. In the study, the "Scientific Process Skills Test" scale was used to collect quantitative data. "Ministry of National Education Preschool Education Program Development Observation Form" was used to collect qualitative data. During the implementation process, STEM trainings consisting of waste materials were given to the students for 6 weeks. As a result of the research, the findings; It has been determined that STEM education improves pre-school students scientific process skills. According to the data obtained from the development observation form, the pre-school students of STEM education; It has been determined that it has a positive effect on motor development, cognitive development, language development, social and emotional development and self-care skills.