How does the early childhood scientific creativity program support children’s creativity and science motivation?

AKÇAY MALÇOK B., YILDIRIM A.

Thinking Skills and Creativity, vol.62, 2026 (SSCI, Scopus)

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 62
  • Publication Date: 2026
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.tsc.2026.102328
  • Journal Name: Thinking Skills and Creativity
  • Journal Indexes: Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, EBSCO Education Source, Psycinfo, Education Source Ultimate (EBSCO)
  • Keywords: Creativity, Motivation, Preschool, Scientific creativity, TTCT, Young children
  • Anadolu University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

This study aimed to explain the effect of the Early Childhood Scientific Creativity Program on children's creativity and motivation towards science. The study group consisted of children aged 60-72 months. An intervention design, a mixed methods design, was used in the study. The researcher developed and implemented the program for the experimental group four days a week over five weeks, while the control group received no intervention. To collect quantitative data, the Torrance Test of Creative Thinking Figural Forms and Preschool Children’s Science Motivation Scale (PCSMS) were used. To collect qualitative data, child interview forms, a teacher interview form, and a researcher diary were used. In the present study, the quantitative data obtained were analyzed with the JASP program. The results indicated that there was a statistically significant difference in the creative thinking scores of the experimental and control groups. While the study revealed no statistically significant difference in motivation toward science between the two groups, the experimental group demonstrated a significant increase from pretest to posttest. The Scientific Creativity Program was found to be enjoyable for the children and had a positive effect on their knowledge of science and creativity. In addition, the teacher stated that the program contributed positively to the children's development and that the program was an applicable and functional program.