Abstract:

The purpose of this study is to reveal the influence of Computer Assisted Instruction (CAI) applications developed for the eighth-grade middle school students’ scientific thinking skills for "Force and Movement" unit. Another purpose is to analyze to what extent CAI applications correspond to 5E instruction model. The study was conducted with 60 experimental and 60 control group students totaling in 120. Within the scope of quasi-experimental method, Scientific Thinking Skills Scale (STSS) and Structured Observation Form (SOF) were employed as data collection tools. T-test was employed to analyze quantitative data of the study whereas graded scoring key (rubric) was conducted for the evaluation of the qualitative data. It was seen that computer assisted applications based on 5E instruction model, which was implemented on experimental group, is more effective than 5E instruction model implemented on control group in terms of scientific thinking. However, experimental group students did not show the intended improvement of scientific thinking. It is recommended that computer assisted applications developed within the scope of this study can be used as sample material to improve students’ science achievement, conceptual understanding levels, and scientific thinking skills within the scope of FATIH Project.

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