Abstract:

This research aims to determine how action plans based on critical thinking in science lessons affect the critical thinking skills of 6th-grade students. The participants of the study were selected based on convenience sampling. The study was conducted using a qualitative research method in accordance with the research objectives. The study included 29 students from a public middle school in the Osmangazi district of Bursa province during the 2020-2021 academic year and nine selected students (five girls and four boys). The data for the research were obtained from student identification forms, pre- and post-semi-structured interview forms, in-class audio recordings, and student journals. The data were analyzed through content analysis and descriptive analysis. The data analysis revealed that implementing critical thinking-based science activities effectively enhanced students' critical thinking skills from both affective and cognitive aspects. The study also showed that environmental factors, such as family influence, can have an impact on a child's critical thinking, but this can be modified through interventions.

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