From seeds to science: fostering scientific inquiry through tree activities in early education

Abstract

Scientific inquiry is recognized for enhancing children's scientific thinking, reasoning, and questioning skills at an early age, while also increasing their science capital. However, how scientific inquiry practices can be effectively implemented at this age remains a challenge. This study used an activity combining scientific inquiry and environmental education that can be used in early childhood classrooms. The details given in the study and how children were actively involved in the process were also clearly stated. In light of the questions asked by the children at the end of the activity, how scientific inquiry sprouted was discussed. This study will be a guiding light for teachers who want to employ scientific inquiry in their classrooms at an early stage and who want to use a structure integrated with the concept in the curriculum.