Science Education in Early Childhood Education and Care Settings An Empirical Study of Early Childhood Educators’ Conceptions of Early Science Education

This book examines and discusses key aspects of early science education. It explores the theoretical foundations, the curricular requirements of the various German federal states, and the guidelines for implementing the educational field of science in teacher training and early childhood education degree programs. Furthermore, it empirically investigates the pedagogical conceptions, values, and beliefs of early childhood educators regarding early science education and discusses the findings within the broader context of science education as an educational domain.