Scientific Trends Towards the Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence Tools in Early Childhood STEM Education: A Bibliometric Analysis

Abstract

This study aims to analyze scientific publications on the use of productive artificial intelligence tools in STEM education during early childhood between 2021 and 2025 using bibliometric methods. In this context, the international literature published during the relevant period was examined to identify scientific production trends, prominent authors, influential studies, institutional and international collaboration networks, and thematic focuses. A total of 1, 224 documents were included in the analysis. During the data analysis process, the Bibliometrix (Biblioshiny) software running on the R program was used; publication trends, keyword frequencies, citation analyses, author and institution collaborations, and scientific mapping techniques were utilized. The analysis findings show that academic interest in productive artificial intelligence tools has increased significantly between 2021 and 2025. The study also systematically identifies key trends, application areas, and research gaps related to the integration of these technologies into educational processes. © 2026 by IGI Global Scientific Publishing.