Early science education - goals and process-related quality criteria for science teaching

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Scientific contributions by experts in early education are periodically published in the series by the "Haus der kleinen Forscher" Foundation, aimed at fostering dialogue among the Foundation, scientists, and practitioners. This fifth volume emphasizes the goals of science education for children, early childhood professionals, and pedagogical staff in after-school centres and primary schools, alongside process-related quality criteria for science teaching at pre-primary and primary levels. Experts Yvonne Anders, Ilonca Hardy, Sabina Pauen, Beate Sodian, and Mirjam Steffensky outline pedagogical content dimensions for early science education, providing a theoretical foundation and assessment instruments for these goals. Jörg Ramseger introduces ten quality criteria for science teaching, which early childhood professionals and pedagogical staff can utilize for lesson planning and self-evaluation of science learning opportunities. The concluding chapter discusses how these expert recommendations are implemented in the offerings and research of the "Haus der kleinen Forscher" Foundation, ensuring that early education and care centres, after-school centres, and primary schools in Germany receive scientifically sound support in their educational mandates.