SCIENTIFIC LITERACY AND CHILD: ANALYSIS OF POTENTIALITIES OF A TOY LIBRARY

ABSTRACT:

This article analyzes the potential of a toy library for promoting children’s scientific literacy (SL). Data was produced through observation and registration of three areas of a toy library. The analysis was based on the theoretical-methodological tool formed by indicators and attributes of scientific literacy. As the main theoretical references, the article highlights discussion about scientific literacy as a process that takes place inside and outside school and implicates appropriation of scientific culture elements to enable social participation. The discussion about childhood was made based on Sociology of Childhood approach, and play/ toy were conceptualized especially from Brougère. The article concludes that the toy library, with objects that refer to scientific themes, contributes to children’s SL process, allowing an approximation between childhood cultures and elements of scientific culture.

Keywords:
Scientific literacy; Child; Toy library.