The Effect of Internet-Based Media on Students’ Misconceptions about Environmental Chemistry

Abstract

In this study, students’ misconceptions about the ozone layer were revealed. The influence of internet-based media on the formation of these misconceptions was determined. The research was carried out using quantitative and qualitative research approaches. As part of the quantitative research, the descriptive survey method was used to gather data. In the descriptive survey, the study’s data was collected using a questionnaire that includes items about the ozone layer. The study surveyed 95 pre-service chemistry teachers and 363 high school students. In the qualitative research, 219 local websites related to the ozone layer were analyzed. As a result, both high school and university students have been identified as having similar misconceptions even though they were at different grade levels. Also, it was revealed that related websites had a good deal of incorrect information that was incompatible with scientific models or encouraged misconceptions.

Keywords

• The ozone layer,misconceptions; internet-based media