1. Meraka Institute CSIR Anita van Deventer Science and Technology Awareness for Preschool Children: a Working Model

2. © CSIR 2007 www.csir.co.za Why Science and Technology The Process Outcomes The Model Overview

3. © CSIR 2007 www.csir.co.za Introduce Science and Technology to preschool children - Fun - Hands-on - Once a week “Give Science and Technology meaning” TekkiTots Project

4. © CSIR 2007 www.csir.co.za Why Science and Technology? Need more scientists and engineers “The knowledge generated by basic sciences forms the core support for economic growth and improved quality of life. The attrition and ageing science researchers is identified in the South African Research and Development Strategy as a concern for South Africa” (Department of Science and Technology: Online) Early investment with regards to knowledge skill and attitude (Children do not “know” what science and technology are) Preschool children are eager to explore and learn

5. © CSIR 2007 www.csir.co.za Started in 2006 Need for Science and Technology at Morning Star Montessori ICT in Education, Youth and Gender research group (Explore the possibility of introducing science and technology to preschool children)

6. © CSIR 2007 www.csir.co.za Become part of the environment Learn through practical experience With What and How?

7. © CSIR 2007 www.csir.co.za The need to understand: The environment (real world) Children (behaviour and skills) What appropriate content is (chromatography or mixing of colours?) How to present the content (demonstration/hands-on) Discovered

8. © CSIR 2007 www.csir.co.za Action Research

9. © CSIR 2007 www.csir.co.za The process

10. © CSIR 2007 www.csir.co.za Project Partners

11. © CSIR 2007 www.csir.co.za Outcomes Cycle 1 (2006) Cycle 2 (2007) Cycle 3 (2008) Goal Develop Content Test method and content with more educators & children Streamline the process to minimize input from Meraka and empower students Schools148 Students11834 Children697200+

12. © CSIR 2007 www.csir.co.za Unintended Outcomes Students (tomorrows parents) - Roll models - Discover aspects about themselves and others (Life skills: responsibility, commit, plan and organise) - Change in attitude towards S&T - Experience “This was a tale of Three young men, two from the engineering front, one from publishing who were given a chance to learn something a classroom couldn't teach, and learnt something no mark could reflect. “ http://blogs.up.ac.za/jcp2008/index.php/home/

13. © CSIR 2007 www.csir.co.za Positive attitude of parents towards Science and Technology in preschools (Sunnyside) “This is a good initiative. Continue with it. My daughter really enjoys the classes” “Amohelang really enjoys TekkiTots! classes. She does not stop talking about teacher KB! She says teacher KB is the best!!” “I would like to S&T being take serious at all levels of learning,learners being told about importance of S&T” Unintended Outcomes

14. © CSIR 2007 www.csir.co.za TekkiTots and teachers - Threat - Observe from a distance - Opportunity to take part, contribute and eventually take over Unintended Outcomes

15. © CSIR 2007 www.csir.co.za The Environment

16. The Model

17. © CSIR 2007 www.csir.co.za Presenter attitude, preparation, planning & commitment Children do not know Learning ears + eyes + hands = Experience Language issues It takes time to change attitudes General Observations

18. © CSIR 2007 www.csir.co.za Meraka Institute – UP(JCP) TekkiTots content onto mobile phones 2009

19. Thank you