Discovering Electricity in Preschool Education

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Published: Apr 3, 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.12681/codiste.7544
Keywords:
Electricity Electric Energy 5E Model Early Childhood Education
Leonidas Gavrilas
Department of Primary Education, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, GREECE
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3367-2439
Marianna-Sotiria Papanikolaou
Department of Primary Education, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, GREECE
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4380-6138
Konstantinos Kotsis
Department of Primary Education, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, GREECE
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1548-0134
Abstract

Preschool education lays the groundwork for scientific literacy; however, understanding complex concepts such as electricity remains a challenge for young children. This study investigates the implementation of the 5E educational model—Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, Evaluate—in introducing fundamental concepts of electricity to 18 preschool children. Through structured, hands-on activities, the children were exposed to simple electrical circuits, conducted experiments, and engaged in guided discussions. Preliminary findings suggest that the 5E structure promoted active learning by addressing and clarifying certain misconceptions, while simultaneously fostering curiosity, critical thinking, and collaboration among the students. These results highlight the potential of the 5E model in establishing a strong foundation for future scientific interest from an early childhood stage.

Article Details
  • Section
  • 14th Panhellenic Conference of Didactics in Science Education
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