Imagination and Fantasy: Correlates of Preschoolers’ Science Relevant Inquisitiveness

One early manifestation of science inquiry skills may be inquisitiveness; that is, children’s tendency to ask questions about science relevant information. Little is known about individual differences in inquisitiveness, despite its fundamental role in emerging science inquiry skills. Prior research hints at potential predictors of inquisitiveness, including children’s imagination and curiosity through children’s exploration and play. Hence, this study examines potential correlates of inquisitiveness: children’s fantasy orientation and curiosity. Thirty-four ethnically diverse 4- to 5-year-old children (58.8% female) self-reported imaginary companion status, fantasy orientation, engagement in pretend role-play, and drew imaginative pictures. Children participated in two tasks, one that measures preference for uncertainty (curiosity) and one that measures inquisitiveness about science relevant content. MANOVA indicated differences in inquisitiveness by imaginary companion status and regression indicated that fantasy orientation made an independent contribution to inquisitiveness. Our results suggest that educators can enhance children’s science education in early childhood classrooms by providing opportunities for children to engage in imaginative play and experience stories and games with fantasy content.