The Effect of Carbon-Neutral Activities Using a Maker Mindset on Ecological Sensitivity and Creative Problem-Solving Skills in Young Children

Objectives The purposes of this study is to investigate the impact of carbon neutrality activities utilizing a maker mindset on young children's ecological sensitivity and creative problem-solving skills. Methods For this study, 30 children aged 4-5 years (15 in the experimental group and 15 in the comparison group) from N and M kindergartens in I Metropolitan City were selected. The experimental group participated in carbon neutrality activities using a maker mindset, while the comparison group received environmental education based on the Nuri curriculum for 12 weeks. Pre- and post-tests were conducted to measure ecological sensitivity and creative problem-solving skills. The collected data were analyzed using the independent sample t-test with the SPSSWIN 28.0 statistical program. Results The children in the experimental group who participated in carbon neutrality activities using a maker mindset showed statistically significant differences in overall ecological sensitivity and its sub-factors, including interest in nature, aesthetic experiences in nature, emotional stability, sympathy and compassion for nature, and ecological imagination. In terms of creative problem-solving skills, significant differences were observed in the generation of ideas and planning for actions, except for the understanding of problems. Conclusions Carbon neutrality activities utilizing a maker mindset had a positive effect on the development of young children's ecological sensitivity and creative problem-solving skills. These results suggest that carbon neutrality education and activities using a maker mindset can lead to sustainable practices and participation among young children, moving beyond one-time content-focused environmental education. This approach provides meaningful direction for early childhood environmental education in the context of the climate crisis and the 4th Industrial Revolution.