ABSTRACT Growing plants is a popular and easy method to facilitate preschoolers’ scientific exploration and positive attitude toward the environment, as it creates an awareness that nature is a magical place to be explored. This study examines a year-long garden-based curriculum in South Korea, specifically a cotton project, and its effects on 4- to 6-year-old children’s (n = 165) scientific and nature-friendly attitudes. Classroom observations and teacher interviews were obtained for qualitative data and scientific attitudes and nature-friendly attitudes were collected for quantitative data. The results indicated that planting cotton and observing the process of its growth provided opportunities for developing a scientific attitude of curiosity and inquiry. In addition, the meaningful direct and concrete experience with the natural environment opened the children’s eyes to the significance of nature and the value of harmony with the natural world, resulting in increased nature-friendly attitudes. The critical roles of the teacher are addressed in implications.

中文翻译：

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一项花园计划通过一项棉花项目促进儿童科学和自然友好态度的力量

摘要生长植物是一种流行的简便方法，可促进学龄前儿童的科学探索和对环境的积极态度，因为它使人们意识到自然是一个不可思议的探索之地。这项研究考察了韩国一项为期一年的以花园为基础的课程，特别是一项棉花项目，以及该课程对4至6岁儿童（n = 165）科学和自然友好态度的影响。获得课堂观察和教师访谈以获取定性数据，并收集科学态度和自然友好态度以获取定量数据。结果表明，种植棉花并观察棉花的生长过程为培养好奇心和探究的科学态度提供了机会。此外，在自然环境中有意义的直接而具体的经历使孩子们看到了自然的重要性以及与自然世界和谐相处的价值，从而增加了对自然的友好态度。教师的关键角色在含义中得到了解决。