Solar Cooking Activity for Preschoolers in Developing Inquiry Skills

Abstract

The aim of this study is to explore children’s inquiry skills. Twenty children from a selected preschool in Penang were involved in this study. This study adapted the qualitative research approach using videotape observation. In this study, children were asked to develop a solar cooker by using a pizza box and bake biscuits. All instruction was given by a facilitator and preschool teacher. The data were analysed by using a rubric – Skills Required for Success in Inquiry (SRSI): classroom behaviour skills, social skills and group coping skills. For the classroom behaviour, the findings showed that preschoolers were actively involved, listened carefully to the instruction and were very excited in handling the hands-on activity. They also completed the task at acceptable level. However, they did not follow the classroom rules, make noise and did not complete the task on time. For the social skills, findings showed that they interacted appropriately among them, had good skills in conversation and showed a friendly attitude. Unfortunately, they did not think before acting due to their high excitement to do the activity. While for the group coping skills, preschoolers worked cooperatively in a group, contributed to group work and negotiated and compromised. However, they did not listen to others, did not accept criticism and had difficulty in expressing their opinion. Those findings indicate that preschoolers still need guidance to develop their inquiry skills. Thus, teachers played an important role in integrating inquiry skills in the classroom.