Educational policies increasingly emphasise early childhood science engagement. As key
influencers in children’s early learning, parents (n=85) attending a science workshop in three
urban schools in Ireland were surveyed regarding their attitudes towards science. Seventy per
cent of parents believed that science education should begin in the pre-school years, before
the age of four. Despite high levels of education, at least half of the parents expressed some
lack of confidence in talking about, and in doing science with, their young children. Parents
who reported less confidence in doing science activities with their children also reported
reduced frequency of activities for five out of the seven science learning opportunities listed.
Mothers, compared to fathers, reported less confidence in doing science activities with their
children. Findings indicate that parents’ confidence in science may impact early science
experiences and highlight parents as a key support for increasing early science engagement.
Item Type:
Article (Published)
Refereed:
Yes
Uncontrolled Keywords:
Early science learning; parent attitudes; early childhood education