مرکز منطقه ای اطلاع رساني علوم و فناوري - The Effect of Outdoor Activities on Academic Achievement and Scientific Process Skills of 7th Students in Secondary School

Abstract :

Aim of this study is to determine the effect of outdoor activities on academic achievements and scientific process skills of 7^th grade students. In the study, pre-test and post-test control group quasi-experimental method was used. Subject is consisted of 72 students from two 7^th grade classes of a secondary school from Istanbul in 2013-14 educational year. In the study, a total of two groups were studied, one being the experimental group (n=36) in which outdoor activities were carried out and the other being the control group (n=36) in which the national science program was implemented. The Academic Achievement Test and Science Process Skills Test were applied both before and after the application as pre and post-test. “The Solar System and Beyond: Space Riddle” unit was supported with the outdoor activities at The Sancaktepe Science and Experiment Centre in the experimental group with two hours a week during four weeks. In the control group, the current curriculum was applied at the school. The data were analysed by using SPSS 21.00 statistical program. The results show that science lessons, which are carried out with outdoor activities, have positive effects on students’ academic achievements and scientific process skills.