The free time that preschool children have is mostly organized by their parents, who forget about genuine contact with nature because the children's academic achievements are more important. The goal of the thesis is to encourage children and their parents to spend quality free time in nature.
In the first part of the thesis, I present the most important theoretical starting points: early natural science, natural science literacy, the influence of nature on families and educators in a positive attitude towards nature. I presented what natural science procedures are and what they are typical for preschool children, as well as biotic diversity and its inclusion in kindergarten.
The empirical part of the diploma thesis is related to a shorter project carried out in a kindergarten, which is called the Natural Science Backpack. Together with their parents, the children explored the surroundings of their home. The diary, which was part of the science backpack, contained notes written by the parents together with the children. By analyzing the diary, I found out which groups of living organisms the children researched, which ecosystems they visited the most, and which natural science procedures they used in their research. I conducted semi-structured interviews with the parents and found out how the implemented natural science activities influenced the child's perception of nature and how they spent their free time together. I found an obvious progress of the children in their knowledge of nature and natural science procedures. During the project, their concern for the environment and nature conservation, as well as empathy for living creatures increased and built.
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