Abstract:

This study aims to examine the process of supporting preschool children's cognitive and motor development by using unplugged computer science (CS) activities in an interdisciplinary context. For this purpose, an Unplugged CS activity was developed. This activity was realized by following the stages of the BEST engineering design process developed by NASA. The activity was applied to 5-year-old children in a kindergarten in a rural area in Turkey. The children were divided into groups and collaboratively performed a task about environmental cleanliness on an unplugged programming carpet consisting of squares. During this process, children's behaviors and reactions were observed. It was observed that the children had fun in the process and wanted to participate in the activity again. In addition, it was observed that the developed Unplugged CS activity supported children's learning areas and that children could repeat the skills they had difficulty with the first time. This study showed that unplugged CS activities play a crucial role in early childhood education by promoting computational thinking, enhancing engagement, and laying the groundwork for future learning in computer science. These activities offer a tangible, enjoyable, and practical approach to introducing young children to essential CS concepts, contributing to their holistic development and preparing them for the digital future.

Keywords:

Unplugged CS, computational thinking, preschool.