Science practices implementing the 5E learning model inspired by STEAM education approach in kindergarten education: Action research

Through the development of science and technology, the 21st century skills such as creative and critical thinking, communication, problem solving and collaboration skills started dominating the area of education. STEAM education approach is crucial in development of these skills. In addition, STEAM education approach can be integrated into different teaching strategies. In this study it was integrated into the 5E learning model. In this context, the study examined the impact of science activities prepared with the 5E learning model inspired by STEAM education approach on learning and attitudes of children related to science concepts, scientific process skills and other skills, researcher/teacher's development. This study was an action research. The participants of the study were the researcher/teacher and 10 kindergarten children attending to the researcher/teacher's classroom in 2018-2019 academic year. The study obtained the quantitative data via "the Science Concepts and Scientific Process Skills for Preschool Students Scale", developed by Şenocak et al. (2013) and the qualitative data via the researcher's diary, children's research diary and products, validity committee interview reports, video and sound records. The study used the Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test in analysis of the quantitative data and the thematic analysis in analysis of the qualitative data. According to the findings obtained from the study, the practices contributed to development of scientific concepts, scientific process skills and other skills of the children and positively affected their learning and interest related to the science subjects and concepts discussed within the process.