Michael Allen|Lynette Harper|Zoë Clark
Preschoolers’ Concepts of Digestive Physiology and Their Links with Body Mass Index
Kingston University|Kingston University|Kingston University
abstract exploratory study sample 20 fouryearolds took part structured interviews order assess biological knowledge human body processes food perceived fattening two main outcomes study first sample demonstrated knowledge digestive processes ingestion digestiondistribution terminal digestive events broadly analogous previous studies included number misconceptions minority children could apply biological reasoning make holistic sense series linked abstract physiological events data also revealed young learners models distribution food away gut might sophisticated previously reported although none sample could provide mechanism distribution second data analysed quantitatively give performance scores compared childrens standardised body mass indices children healthy weight displayed accurate scientific knowledge digestive processes overweight peers statistically significant levels specifically healthy weight children attained holistic understanding processes potentially consequences early years biology education since findings indicate tentative level young overweight children could considered distinctive special educational need propose may possible way forward addressing issues overweight obesity young children improving understanding digestive processes outcomes aligned calls literature school science education become focused aspects scientific literacy health education studies recommended using larger samples diverse populations