Abstract
This study examines changes in kindergarten students’ understanding of energy after participating in a series of lessons developed using an inquiry-based early childhood science teaching model: Research-based Inquiry Physics Experiences (RIPE). The lessons addressed where objects get their energy and what they use their energy to do, and how energy can be “stored” in ordinary objects such as toys. Many of the students moved from associating energy solely with living things to recognizing energy in mechanical processes and articulating how energy can be transferred (stored) by lifting objects or squeezing/stretching/twisting elastic objects.
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Van Hook, S.J., Huziak-Clark, T.L. Lift, squeeze, stretch, and twist: Research-based Inquiry Physics Experiences (RIPE) of energy for kindergartners. J Elem Sci Edu 20, 1–16 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03174705
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03174705