Chemistry in early childhood: storytelling and hands-on water-based activities to foster scientific concepts and ideas

• Tipo: Artigo em Revista Científica Internacional
• Data: 2026

Autores

Morais, Carla (Autor) FCUP; Ferreira, Ana (Autor) FCUP; Araújo, José Luís (Autor) Outra; Moreira, Luciano (Autor) FLUP

Revista

Título: Chemistry Education Research and Practice

Vol. 1

ISSN: 1109-4028

Editora: Royal Society of Chemistry

Indexação

ISI Web of Knowledge - 0 Citações

Scopus - 0 Citações

Outras Informações

ID Authenticus: P-01A-MJ8

DOI: 10.1039/d5rp00271k

Abstract (EN): In a societal context where chemistry is often perceived negatively, it is essential to promote educational approaches that foster meaningful and engaging learning experiences from an early age. This study aimed to explore how the integration of storytelling and hands-on activities can contribute to primary school children’s engagement and understanding of scientific concepts, leading to a more meaningful chemistry learning. The research was conducted in four primary schools in the northern region of Portugal, involving 237 third- and fourth-grade students in non-formal educational initiatives. A qualitative methodology was employed, based on the analysis of students’ laboratory notebooks. The intervention consisted of a dramatized story from the book Histo´rias com Quı´mica [Stories with Chemistry], followed by three water-based hands-on activities addressing key chemical concepts: acid– base reactions, supersaturated solutions, and redox processes. Children’s responses were analysed using framework theory, which enabled the categorization of their conceptual development. The findings showed that students’ responses progressed from simple sensory observations and intuitive explanations to the construction of basic scientific models. High levels of participation, engagement, and enthusiasm were observed throughout the activities. These results suggest that combining storytelling with handson experimentation represents a promising pedagogical strategy for introducing chemistry concepts in early education and promoting a more positive and accessible image of this science.

Idioma: Inglês

Tipo (Avaliação Docente): Científica

Notas: Submitted: 18 Jul 2025; Accepted: 26 Nov 2025; First published: 05 Dec 2025

Nº de páginas: 15