Precursor Models for Teaching and Learning Science During Early Childhood
Résumé
This book provides in-depth exploration of a theoretical framework to support Early Childhood Science Education research and teaching practices. In particular, it presents the concept of precursor model from an epistemological, psychological, and didactical point of view at Early Childhood Science Education. It offers several empirical studies in different scientific domains and different international educational contexts. It is based on examples of practices that teachers can use in their classroom. The book discusses the nature of the precursor model and its use for early science teaching and learning. It explores several aspects of the construction of such models, in early childhood education settings and contexts. The book provides examples of precursor models that help children learn and reason about floating and sinking, shadow formation, water state changes, air, clouds and rain, electricity, inheritance and selection, and variation within populations. In doing so, the book supports the development of science education at an early age by using the original framework of a precursor model to mediate teaching and learning science at school during early childhood.