Development of Children's Knowledge: The Sky, the Earth and the Sun in Children's Explanations Cover Image

Development of Children's Knowledge: The Sky, the Earth and the Sun in Children's Explanations
Development of Children's Knowledge: The Sky, the Earth and the Sun in Children's Explanations

Author(s): Eve Kikas
Subject(s): Customs / Folklore
Published by: Eesti Kirjandusmuuseum
Keywords: initial beliefs; knowledge about astronomy; synthetic knowledge; development of knowledge; mediated knowledge

Summary/Abstract: Our knowledge about the world is mediated by sense organs, material and mental mediators, which convey information that may appear conflicting.This is why both children and adults experience difficulties in integrating and conceptualising the information. The article examines the development of children’s knowledge from initial beliefs and knowledge to synthetic and scientific knowledge. Empirical studies investigating the knowledge of Estonian children about planet Earth, the possibility of living on earth and reasons for seasonal changes are described. Examples from interviews withchildren illustrate the complexity of constructing and conceptualising knowledge.

  • Issue Year: 2005
  • Issue No: 31
  • Page Range: 31-56
  • Page Count: 26
  • Language: English