An action research towards effective teaching of the 7th grade basic astronomy concepts

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Thesis Type: Postgraduate

Institution Of The Thesis: Dokuz Eylül University, Eğitim Bilimleri Enstitüsü, İlköğretim Ana Bilim Dalı, Turkey

Approval Date: 2014

Thesis Language: Turkish

Student: EKİN YILMAZ

Supervisor: MEHMET ŞAHİN

Open Archive Collection: AVESIS Open Access Collection

Abstract:

The purpose of this study was to develop applications for effective teaching of the 7th grade basic astronomical concepts located in the "Solar System and Beyond: Space riddle" unit. To find solutions to the question of how to teach these concepts better an action research study is planned. The participants of the study were 28 7th grade students and their science teacher from the Makbule Süleyman Alkan Middle School located in the Buca district of Izmir, Turkey during 2013-2014 academic year. The applications developed according to the objectives of the unit under study. The "Adobe Captivate" educational software program, simulation and video content were prepared for application during the lectures. Also "google sky map" using mobile star map application was used and a trip to "Planetarium" was organized. As the data collection tools a 12 item-"Basic Astronomy Knowledge Test" and a 20 item-"Astronomy Attitude Scale" were used. The scales were applied as pre test and post test. Analysis of pre test and post test scores yielded a significant difference in favor of the study grup. The results showed that after the applications, student's knowladge of astronomy and astronomy attitudes are changed positively. When compared by gender pre test and post test scores of the scales, there were no significant statistical differences. According to the results, male and female students's astronomy knowladge and astronomy attitude shows similar characteristics. To improve the quality of the study, randomly selected five students and the science teacher were interviewed using a semi-structured interview form. Also the data were supported by the observation notes which were taken by the researcher during applications. Analysis of interview and observation notes showed that students reported that application was catchy, that provided better learning opportunity, thanks to detailed and important information applications provded, they reinforced what they have learned and that facilitated their understanding. Teacher reported that students' curiosity about the subject and their learning were increased. In accordance with the results obtained from the study, the action plan prepared to help students learn basic astronomy concepts better, was concluded to be effective. It is suggested that the action plan used in this study may be effectively applied to other instructional practices in science courses. Key Words: Science education, astronomy, solar system, action research