Abstract:

In recent years, researches emphasize the importance of laboratory courses with simple tools. In this study, in addition to experiments and activities included in the curriculum, the effects of openended experiments which could be performed with simple equipment on students' reach of scientific knowledge. The experiments and activities performed in this study compatible with the curriculum and objectives of Ministry of National Education. The additional open-ended activities and experiments performed with simple equipment are in accordance with the units. Moreover, they are distributed evenly based on the subjects of units. The current research lasted for a half school term and 10 open-ended experiments that suit each unit were performed by students individually. The experiments selected were not included in the text books. The study group consisted of 147 students from grade 5 and 6. Single group pre-test post-test research model was applied. The questionnaire called "The Effects of Scientific Experiments on the Reach of Scientific Knowledge" FDBBUT was conducted before and after the implementation and the results were collected and compared. The variability frequency between pre and post-test was calculated. The experiments were performed using daily life objects and they were based on the event that they are faced in the flow of daily life. In this way, it was aimed to provide students with a connection between the theory and daily functions of sciences. After the implementation of the experiments, it was seen that students' opinions on using scientific knowledge, analyzing it, seeing sciences as a part of everyday life and the importance of experimenting in science classes improved in a positive way

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