The effectiveness of science-centred STEM activities in early childhood: A case study

It is aimed to represent the impacts of science-cantered STEM activities in early childhood. The model of the research was the "Case Study" design, one of the qualitative research methods. The focused case of the study is a 36-month-old boy with the nickname Ata. For the study, 10 STEM activities were designed as considering the level of Ata as being between 36 months old, so the length of each activity was considered regarding his age, so two activities per week were applied for 5 weeks. During the case study, the main data retrieved from the observation techniques along with activities, STEM checklist, and semi-structured interviews as a part of qualitative data collection tools. The collected data were analysed as using content analysis. As a result of the data analysis, the findings indicate that there is a positive impact of science-based STEM activities to a child aged between 36 months. According to findings, a 36-month-old individual can understand their world, develop higher-order thinking and reasoning, experience achieving tasks, exploration and experience their own opportunities, multidimensional thinking and collaborative thinking skills, decision making during STEM activities. It was also observed an increase in understanding relationships, problem solving skills and communication.