About PreSTAR
Preschool Science Talk in Action and Reflection (PreSTAR) is a professional development model that aims to enhance science teaching and learning in early care and education settings. This is achieved by providing educators with tools, resources and a supportive community.
Our mission is to enrich children’s learning by strengthening early childhood educators’ science and engineering knowledge, reflective practice and confidence to guide children in scientific discovery.
Since PreSTAR’s launch in 2017, we’ve gained insights into effective early childhood science teaching practices and learning in diverse contexts. Findings suggest educators’ reflective practice — intentionally thinking about their own practices and adjusting them based on what they observe — may strengthen their confidence in science-related interactions and conversations.
Our Goals
Engaging children in science is a powerful way to boost learning. The PreSTAR model aims to strengthen early childhood educators’ ability to:
- Confidently guide children through meaningful science and engineering learning experiences.
- Closely observe children’s interactions with science materials.
- Effectively use those observations in reflection, planning and teaching.
Our Research
Our research aims to deepen our understanding of how reflective practice impacts early childhood educators, while developing relevant, accurate and developmentally appropriate resources to promote innovation in science teaching and learning.
PreSTAR researchers study potential changes in:
- The quality of educators’ reflections on children’s interactions with science materials.
- The effectiveness of educators’ science talk.
- Children’s own science talk and level of engagement.
Participants
PreSTAR has engaged a diverse group of early childhood educators caring for children ages 4-5 across a range of geographic settings, program types and cultural contexts. Below is a list of partners who have benefited from the model to date:
- EMEI Ignacio (public school, São Paulo, SP, Brazil)
- Escola do Bairro (private school, São Paulo, SP, Brazil)
- Head Start (two sites, federally funded child care program, Lincoln, NE)
- KinderCare (one site, community child care center, Lincoln, NE)
How it Works
PreSTAR includes various elements to support educators, while enhancing science teaching and learning.
Interviews & Surveys
PreSTAR researchers interview and survey educators about their backgrounds, practices, goals, beliefs, attitudes and classroom environments, while assessing their perceptions, challenges and confidence in science teaching.
Guided Science Activities
PreSTAR offers guided hands-on activities to engage children in scientific discovery, encouraging them to ask questions, test hypotheses, solve problems and draw conclusions.
Observations & Reflections
PreSTAR involves observation and reflection discussions to gain insights on ways to enhance science teaching and engage children in science-related conversation, or science talk.
Research-Based Strategies
PreSTAR uses research-based strategies that encourage educators to reflect on their own science teaching practices and children’s interactions with science-related materials.
Professional Development
PreSTAR researchers assist educators in connecting children’s development with science teaching goals, providing guidance and high-quality materials to enhance the use of science talk in everyday interactions.
Collaboration Opportunities
PreSTAR helps educators build a sense of community by providing opportunities to connect, collaborate and communicate with one another and the research team through an online platform.
How it Works
PreSTAR includes various elements to support educators, while enhancing science teaching and learning.
Interviews & Surveys
PreSTAR researchers interview and survey educators about their backgrounds, practices, goals, beliefs, attitudes and classroom environments, while assessing their perceptions, challenges and confidence in science teaching.
Guided Science Activities
PreSTAR offers guided hands-on activities to engage children in scientific discovery, encouraging them to ask questions, test hypotheses, solve problems and draw conclusions.
Observations & Reflections
PreSTAR involves observation and reflection discussions to gain insights on ways to enhance science teaching and engage children in science-related conversation, or science talk.
Research-Based Strategies
PreSTAR uses research-based strategies that encourage educators to reflect on their own science teaching practices and children’s interactions with science-related materials.
Professional Development
PreSTAR researchers assist educators in connecting children’s development with science teaching goals, providing guidance and high-quality materials to enhance the use of science talk in everyday interactions.
Collaboration Opportunities
PreSTAR helps educators build a sense of community by providing opportunities to connect, collaborate and communicate with one another and the research team through an online platform.