Experiments with ES kids

On Thursday 8th 2007, we performed an experiment; testing KG kids (about 4-6 years old). We tested them on their “senses of conservative”, their “egocentrism”, and etc. As you would see from the results, Jean Piaget got the stages for development right, however, he was wrong about the ages at each stage.

One of the experiments that were testing on their sense of conservation was that we were using different containers: flasks and a taller container. The certain about of rice was put into two flasks to let the kids compared the differences. They all said that they contain equal amount. Then, we poured the rice from one of the flask into the taller container without adding anymore rice. And, we asked the kids again whether which one has more rice in it. Almost all of the kids said that the taller container has more rice.

Another experiment we did that tested their sense of conservations as well. We have two equal amount of clay. At first, we let the kids compared the two amount (Then, they probably say they’re equal). The next thing we did was crushing one of the clay in front of all the kids. Then we asked them again whether they are still the same amount or not. All of them said it’s the crushed one is bigger (that is probably because they saw it as a bigger shape).

We then asked some questions to test their geocentricism. Some of the questions are “do you have a brother or sister? Does she/he have a brother?” None of the kids can answer them right. They can’t think from other people’s point of views.