Sharing Science Knowledge across Generations
Do Children Tell Caregivers What They Learn in School about Water Conservation?
Keywords:
intergenerational learning, informal learning, science education, self-efficacy, water conservationAbstract
Children often learn more contemporary information in school about topics such as water conservation than their caregivers did. As such, intergenerational learning from child to caregiver may occur, especially when children learn information with practical applications. Forty-six fifth-graders had a water conservation lesson at school. Afterward, their caregivers (n = 46) completed a survey about home water conservation, family activities, and intergenerational learning. Caregivers reported acquiring information from their children through direct communication and during ongoing activities. Child self-efficacy also showed a marginal association with intergenerational learning. Implications for future research and for formal and informal science learning are discussed.