The effect of educational games on teaching some geographic concepts in the 6th grade social studies course

The aim of this thesis study is to examine the effect of educational games on the teaching the concepts in geography subjects in the 6th grade social studies course. In the study, a mixed model, in which quantitative and qualitative data used together, was used. The study group of the research consists of 9 students studying at the 6th grade level in a secondary school affiliated to the Ministry of National Education in Kayseri province in the 2020-2021 academic year. This research was carried out in the first period when schools were opened during the Covid-19 epidemic process. Easy sampling method was used in the study. In the research, the concept achievement test, student diaries and teacher observation form prepared by the researchers were used as data collection tools. The collected data were analysed with descriptive analysis and content analysis. Frequency and percentage calculations were made by categorizing the data related to the concepts as correct perception, limited perception, wrong perception and unanswered. As a result of the research, it was seen that the students understood the concepts of geography more accurately during the application week in which educational games were used. According to the statements in the diaries of the students, it was concluded that the students stated that they liked the week in which the educational games were used more and that they learned the concepts better. Teacher observations also support this situation. According to the study, it is recommended to use educational games in geography subjects and geography concept teaching in social studies course. Keywords: Social Studies, Geography, Concept, Geography Concepts, Educational Game