ERIC Number: EJ1044528
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2015
Pages: 22
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1040-9289
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Exploring Preschool Children's Science Content Knowledge
Guo, Ying; Piasta, Shayne B.; Bowles, Ryan P.
Early Education and Development, v26 n1 p125-146 2015
Research Findings: The purpose of this study was to describe children's science content knowledge and examine the early predictors of science content knowledge in a sample of 194 typically developing preschool children. Children's science content knowledge was assessed in the fall (Time 1) and spring (Time 2) of the preschool year. Results showed that children exhibited significant gains in science content knowledge over the course of the preschool year. Hierarchical linear modeling results indicated that the level of maternal education (i.e., holding at least a bachelor's degree) significantly predicted children's Time 1 science content knowledge. Children's cognitive, math, and language skills at Time 1 were all significant concurrent predictors of Time 1 science content knowledge. However, only Time 1 math skills significantly predicted residualized gains in science content knowledge (i.e., Time 2 scores with Time 1 scores as covariates). Practice or Policy: Factors related to individual differences in young children's science content knowledge may be important for early childhood educators to consider in their efforts to provide more support to children who may need help with science learning.
Descriptors: Preschool Children, Sciences, Knowledge Level, Predictor Variables, Hierarchical Linear Modeling, Influences, Mothers, Educational Attainment, Mathematics Skills, Preschool Education, Science Education, Socioeconomic Status, Gender Differences, Cognitive Ability, Language Skills, Correlation, Achievement Gains, Questionnaires, Scores
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 325 Chestnut Street Suite 800, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Fax: 215-625-2940; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Preschool Education; Early Childhood Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) (NIH)
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Assessments and Surveys: Kaufman Brief Intelligence Test; Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence; Woodcock Johnson Tests of Achievement
Grant or Contract Numbers: RC1HD063522
Author Affiliations: N/A