The aim of the thesis was to explain why certain children have such an interest in dinosaurs. I wanted to find out if this knowledge could be of use to them in other areas of science education, such as knowledge of reptiles living today.
The study included 92 preschoolers, 38 boys and 54 girls, from the oldest age group. Using a questionnaire, I examined whether there were statistically significant differences in interest and knowledge about dinosaurs, knowledge about reptiles, and differences in interest and knowledge between genders. I was also interested in where children get information about dinosaurs.
In my research, I found that there was a high level of interest in dinosaurs, a statistically significant difference in interest and knowledge about dinosaurs, and differences in interest and gender. The study found no statistically significant differences between interest in dinosaurs and knowledge about reptiles, and differences in knowledge between genders. Children with better knowledge about dinosaurs also showed better knowledge about recent reptiles. The primary informants were mostly parents.
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