Abstract:

The aim of the present research is to investigate the effect of science fairs on the 6th grade students’ attitude levels towards science. A quasi-experimental method and an experimental pattern with control and experiment groups is used in the research. The research was applied on the 6th grade students during 2014–2015 educational year II. Semester and lasted 15 weeks. 91 students constituted the sample of the study, 45 of whom were in the control group while 46 of whom were in the experimental group. “The Attitudes towards Science Scale” was used to collect the data. The study was applied in the science course by the same teacher in both control and experimental groups. In the control group, an experimental practice was not carried out and the course was taught in a student-centered manner in accordance with the Curriculum of Science Course. In the experimental group, on the other hand, while the course was taught in line with the Curriculum, Science Fairs Practices were used. At the end of the research, an increase was determined 6th grade students’ attitude levels towards science. Three months after research it was observed that the increase of students’ attitudes has been preserved. Based on these results, it is recommended to disseminate activities such as science fairs in schools in our country and encourage students to participate in such activities.

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