Determining of The Preschool Children s Knowledge About Light Concept

The aim of this research is to reveal the knowledge of the preschool children related to the light concept. The study group of the research, which was performed based on the embedded single case design, was composed of 40 children, 60-72 month attending an independent preschool allied to the Ministry of Education located in Etimesgut, Ankara in the 2015-2016 school year. The research data was obtained with the semi-structured interview form prepared by the researchers, and the interviews were recorded. The data was analyzed with the content analysis method and the quotations from the statements of the children were presented. As a result of the research, it was observed that the association formed in the minds of the preschool children on the light concept were the artificial and natural light sources and mostly lamps/bulbs were included in their drawings. The children defined light with its several characteristics and aspects and most of them stated that light had a color. The children stated the aim of the use of light as providing seeing, lighting, and entertainment. The formation of light could not be explained by many children. It was determined that the children could not define the light source concept mostly and they gave examples of the natural, artificial and reflective light sources. It was observed that the children could not define the light pollution concept mostly and they thought that light would not pollute the environment. According to this; it may be said that the preschool children have some knowledge on the light concept and the awareness of the children on the concepts such as light, light source, light pollution should be expanded through scientific information.