Exploring the Natural Environment Through Direct Experience in Developing Naturalist Intelligence in Early Childhood Based on Insight

Abstract

This study aims to describe the process of exploring the natural environment through direct experience in developing naturalist intelligence in early childhood based on insight. The study employed a descriptive qualitative approach with 15 students of TK PKK (Kindergarten of Family Welfare Education) in Pademawu District, Pamekasan as research subjects. Data were collected through participatory observation, interviews, and documentation during exploration activities to the "Api Tak Kunjung Padam" (Eternal Flame) site in Tlanakan Village. Learning activities included a journey using a traditional vehicle (odong-odong), observation of the natural fire phenomenon, fish-grilling activities, introduction to fish body parts, and a communal meal. Data analysis employed the interactive model of Miles and Huberman. The results indicate that direct nature exploration successfully developed various indicators of naturalist intelligence, including the ability to observe with focus and detail (90%), asking questions about natural phenomena (80%), identifying organism parts (85%), environmental awareness (75%), and connecting natural knowledge with daily life (70%). The process of insight formation occurred when children related new phenomena to prior knowledge, as seen when children connected natural gas to cooking gas at home and made analogies between different experiences. This study contributes a nature-based learning model utilizing local natural potential that can be replicated by early childhood education institutions to optimize naturalist intelligence development from an early age.