The effect of phet - simulation application in the electrical unit of 5th grade science course on student success and digital competency of students

In this study, the effect of PhET-simulation-supported applications on fifth grade students' academic achievement and digital competencies in the science course electricity unit was examined. A mixed design including quantitative and qualitative methods was used. The study was designed according to the quasi-experimental design with a pre test - post test control group, where the quantitative method was supported by the qualitative method. As a data collection tool in the research; In the quantitative part, "Achievement Test for 5th Grade Electrical Circuit Elements" was used. In the qualitative part, "Digital Competency Interview Form" was applied as a data collection tool and the findings in the answers to the questions were evaluated. In the analysis of quantitative data, pre test - post test in cases with normal distribution. Since normal distribution was not observed in the comparison of scores, non-parametric tests, Mann Whitney U test and Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test, were used. When the academic achievement scores in the applications supported by PhET-simulation were examined, the pre test – post test academic achievement scores of the students in the experimental group were analyzed. There is a significant difference between the tests. As a result, it has been determined that PhET-simulation applications positively improve the academic success and digital competencies of the students in the experimental and control groups after the application.