Abstract:

The purpose of inquiry based learning (IBL) is to enable students to produce different perspectives by using their steps in scientific research in order to make them understand events and phenomenon. In line with this purpose, an inquiry based learning approach is adopted by following a path in which the students is responsible for learning, participates in the process with active participation and gives opportunity to construct knowledge themselves. The use of this strategy in the education of gifted students overlaps with their cognitive structures. Based on this idea, in this study, it is aimed to determine the thoughts of the gifted students studying Science and Art Center about the operation mechanism of nuclear power plants by using inquiry based learning approach and the necessity of establishing nuclear power plants. In the study, single group pretest-posttest experimental design, which is one of the weak experimental designs, was used. The sample of the study in Turkey’s western region where a metropolitan city of Science and Art Centre ISDA (Individual Skill Difference Avoid) constitute eight students in 5th and 6th grade level on the stage. A concept test consisting of eight questions was applied to the students. At the same time, the answers given by the students to the tests were determined in more detail with the semi-structured interview. After the IBL education, it was determined that the scientific response rates of the students regarding the working mechanism of nuclear power plants increased. In addition, getting correct answers from the students as a result of interviews with students supports this positive increase. It would be appropriate to teach such sociological subjects by carrying out projects with gifted students.

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