The reflections of "Exploration with Art and Science Program" on children's creative thinking and scientific process skills

The study aimed to reveal the reflections of the Exploration with Art and Science Program (EASP), an integrated visual arts and science education program for 60-72-month-old children, on children's creative thinking and scientific process skills. It was also aimed to examine the reflections of EASP on children's knowledge and perceptions regarding art, artist, science and scientist. First, a need analysis was carried out in this qualitative study. The second phase was designed in the program effect case study. The study group consists of 14 children attending the class of a kindergarten, the teacher and 5 parents. The teacher implemented EASP three days a week for five weeks. Teacher Information Form, Child-Parent Information Form, Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking Figural Form A, The Instrument to Determine Turkish Kindergarten Students' Scientific Concepts and Scientific Inquiry Processes, photographs, observation notes, research diary and 5N Form were used as data collection tools. Interviews were also held with teachers and parents. As a result, it was found that EASP has positive reflections on children's creative thinking and scientific process skills. EASP has especially supported originality, elaboration, observation and scientific communication skills. It was determined that children learned new information about art, artists, artworks, science and scientists, and experienced positive feelings. It has been determined that EASP aroused children's curiosity about scientists, science, artists and artworks, motivated children to do artistic and/or scientific acts and aroused desire to be artists and/or scientists. In addition, it was identified that EASP also contributed to the teacher.