Science Education and Cognitive Development in Updated 2012 Pre-school Curriculum

Bringing up individuals who think independently, who have reached critical point of view, which have the ability to decide independently, who are productive and creative is related with the content of education directly. Today, the studies made in the neurology and psychology area have proved that brain development and mental activities in pre-school education have been developing in a great pace. The mental and physical development pace in pre-school period is a process for developing thought capacity and creativeness. In this education process, the physical, mental, emotional and social development as a whole should be supported. The impact of science activities providing them achieve problem solving ability in a scientific way and facilitating information transfer by developing their researching, exploring and observing ability derived from their curiosity is essential. In the pre-school period, science activities provide a significant environment for the kids’ developing their cognitive skills. In this study, the science and nature themes included in new Pre-school Education Program which is updated in 2012 and put into use in Turkey in 2013 as a pilot scheme are analysed and their appropriateness to cognitive development for the addressed age group are evaluated. The study has been carried out in accordance with the qualitative research methods and it has been patterned with content analysis. According to the data gained, it is recommended that the present 2002 and 2006 program which has been applied in TRNC should be changed; the updated program which has been prepared according to developing skill, attitude, value and understanding should be revised properly to the cognitive development and should be enriched through science content and should also be used in Northern Cyprus.