Mathematics, computer science, natural sciences and technology, that’s what MINT stands for. The pedagogues at the Caritas kindergarten in Pötting in the district of Grieskirchen have set themselves the goal of arousing enthusiasm for the natural sciences and technology in kindergarten age. The educational institution was awarded the MINT seal of approval by Minister Martin Polaschek. So far there are 41 MINT kindergartens in Austria, in Upper Austria there are only two with the “Happy Kids” kindergarten in Attnang-Puchheim and the one in Pötting.
In the Pöttinger kindergarten, for example, there is a “dismantling workshop” where the children work with screws, hooks and carabiners. When exploring nature at the pond, a magnifying glass, landing net and camera are included so that you can also research and document what you have discovered. “We encourage the children to observe and experiment,” says kindergarten director Elke Hattinger. “We support research-based learning with sensory experiences. In this way, they deal with scientific and technical questions in a playful way.”
The educators respond to the current interests of the children. “If, for example, a lot of people are enthusiastic about rockets, we start a rocket and test a wide variety of launch maneuvers using centrifugal force and compressed air,” says Hattinger. In order to offer the young researchers enough space for experiments and observations, the MINT kindergarten uses tablets, laboratory boxes, globes or old devices to disassemble. The kindergarten has also borrowed a 3D printer. “It was a hit. The girls wanted to try it out first. We designed dinosaurs and printed them out. After the return, the children built a lot more three-dimensional things,” says Hattinger.
Source: Nachrichten
