Assessing Force and Motion in the Pre-K Classroom

• In Event: Executive Functioning, Concepts, and Cognition

Abstract

Teacher research was conducted in a Pre-K classroom to determine what scientific knowledge 4 and 5 year old children had with the concepts of force, motion, gravity, and friction. Children were given hands on materials to investigate and provide explanations for the scientific phenomena. The videotaped assessments revealed that 4 and 5 year old children are able to generate understanding and explanations for a complex scientific concept. Assessments also reveal misconceptions about such topics and deal with the impact of vocabulary and language on assessment. Further investigation with a larger population is recommended to gather additional information about young children’s’ understanding about the world of science.

Authors

• Marcia Denise Molinar, BLOCKS

• Joy A. Moore, Austin Independent School District