Science and Technology awareness for preschool children: Practical lessons and experiences

Abstract

TekkiTots is part of The Young Engineers of South Africa (YESA) research area within the ICT in Education, Youth and Gender research group at The Meraka Institute (CSIR). The aim of YESA is to increase the pipeline for the generation of more scientists, engineers and technologists by creating the necessary interest and involvement of learners. These interventions start at a preschool level with TekkiTots. The primary objective of TekkiTots is to expose children between the ages of 5 – 7 to Science and Technology in a fun and hands-on way. The intended outcomes are to stimulate innovative thinking, a positive attitude towards Science and Technology and eagerness amongst theses small children to explore Science and Technology avenues once they enter and leave school. This paper describes the formative or action research approach and process that were undertaken in the development of Science and Technology content for preschool children. It also provides an overview of the experiences and lessons learned when a group of five preschool children were exposed to the developed Science and Technology content.