Early Years Physics Teaching of Abstract Phenomena in Preschool – Supported by Children’s Production of Tablet Videos

The study investigates how kindergarten children learn about abstract physics phenomena using video production on tablets. The aim of the study is to engage children and teachers in collaborative exploration focusing on phenomena such as air resistance and changes in the state of water. The research questions are:

1. How can video production on tablets contribute to children’s experiences with specific learning objects in physics during a multi-step teaching sequence?
2. How does the abstract nature of the learning objects in physics affect the children’s experiences in the teaching process?

Video production helped children better understand abstract physics phenomena. They showed improved understanding of concepts such as air resistance and changes in the state of water through making and watching their own videos. Although the children faced challenges representing certain phenomena, such as melting ice, the use of digital tools helped to create deeper engagement, and the digital tools increased opportunities for discussion of science concepts. The study shows how digital tools can support the learning of physics in kindergarten.

The study used video recordings of teaching activities involving 3–6 year old children in two kindergartens, where kindergarten teachers led experiments on air resistance and changes in the state of water. The data consisted of children’s video productions, group discussions and guidance from kindergarten teachers during and after the experiments. The children produced stop-motion animations and explained them to kindergarten teachers who had not participated in the production. The data were analysed qualitatively by transcribing the videos and investigating verbal and non-verbal interactions between children and kindergarten teachers.

Redfors, A., Fridberg, M., Jonsson, A., & Thulin, S. (2022). Early Years Physics Teaching of Abstract Phenomena in Preschool – Supported by Children’s Production of Tablet Videos. Education Sciences, 12(7), 427.