The use of educational games within the structure and properties of matter unit in science class
Abstract
Given the rapid pace of science today, we can feel the influence of it in all aspects of our lives. Therefore, it is aimed to raise individuals with advanced thinking skills who learn and use knowledge in science class and can combine science and technology. In line with such purposes, it is believed that different methods and techniques are required to be used within classes. In this study, educational game techniques have been used in teaching of the “Structure and Properties of Matter” unit in science class and the effects of this teaching technique have been researched to measure the academic success of students as well as the opinions of students and teachers. Mixed research design has been employed within the study. Control group pre-test - final test model has been preferred for the quantitative dimension of research. “Academic success test on the structure and properties of matter” developed by the researcher has been used for the collection of the quantitative data. In the qualitative dimension of the research, semi-structured interviews, researcher's observations and diaries, and science journals of students have been utilised. According to the findings obtained, educational game has positively affected the students, increased the course success (p<.05) and participation in the course. A significant change has been observed in the success levels of the students and a positive change has been found in their views on the Science lesson.
Keywords
Science teaching , Educational games , Use of educational games in science , Structure and properties of matter
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