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This study aimed to identify the teaching strategies used in a project-based STEM module implemented in an indigenous area and to examine the effects on kindergarteners’ scientific practices. Using a multiple case study method, three teachers and twenty five kindergarteners (average age: six and half year) from two classrooms in an Atayal community in northern Taiwan were recruited. Classroom observation was conducted and a performance-based assessment regarding scientific practices was applied before and after the module. Qualitative data analysis techniques were applied to analyze classroom observation and a Wilcoxon signed-rank test was applied to examine whether the children improved their scientific practices. This study found that: (1) Seven teaching strategies were identified to promote children’s scientific practices: demonstrating, comparing and contrasting, using multiple representations, probing, reviewing, giving direct guidance and providing emotional support. (2) Through analyzing classroom observation, this study found that children improved in thirteen scientific practices. These practices were making initial observations, doing initial testing, making predictions, focusing on key ideas, making a plan, designing procedures, making systematic observations, seeking information, employing equipment and tools, measuring, recording, conducting experiments, sharing and discussing. (3) By examining the pre and post scores of the assessment, it revealed that the children had significantly better performances on scientific practices after taking the module. (4) It seems that the teachers needed to use more teaching strategies to help the children develop more complex scientific practices (e.g., recording). (5) The analysis of the interaction between targeted children and the teachers revealed that teachers employed different teaching strategies to guide children with different initial levels of scientific practices. This study would hopefully provide insight into ways to improve teachers’ teaching strategies and children’s scientific practices when early STEM curricula are implemented. |