Abstract:

The most important reason for using science and engineering applications in early childhood; is based on inquiry and provides in-depth learning. Besides, it also provides interdisciplinary learning. It improves children's scientific process skills, motor skills, communication and social skills. Children act like an engineer while playing. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of science and engineering applications on students' decision-making and problem solving skills in early childhood. The study was designed as a study using both qualitative and quantitative research methods. The study group consisted of 14 5-year-old students attending kindergartens of a private school in Istanbul in the 2017- 2018 academic year. Quantitative data of the research were collected by decision-making test and qualitative data were collected by open-ended problem solving questions. In the study, 4 different activities were carried out considering the stages of the STEM cycle. In this research, decision making test was analyzed quantitatively and problem solving questions were analyzed with rubric. As a result of the research, it was found that development of students' decision-making skills were limited and there was an improvement in providing solution to open-ended problems.

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