Conducting values education in the life science lesson through visual culture studies: an action research

The aim of this research is to reveal how values education can be carried out in primary school Life Sciences course through visual culture studies. The participants of the study, which was designed with an action research, consisted of 13 primary school third grade students determined by criterion sampling method. In this context, volunteerism and regular attendance to classes were taken into account in the determination of the participants. The data of the research; Observation, semi-structured interview, student diaries, researcher diary, personal information form, video recordings of activities, photographs, student products and validity committee records. In the classroom where the application was carried out, 3 action plans consisting of 10 lesson plans based on visual culture studies were prepared in values education in the Life Science lesson. As a result of the analysis of the research data, four themes were reached, namely the implementation process, values, contributions and development, problems and solution suggestions. According to the findings of the research, it was concluded that the activities carried out through visual culture studies in value education in primary school Life Science course contributed to the increase of students' awareness of the values of cooperation, love, respect, friendship, justice, patriotism, honesty, self-control, patience, and responsibility. As a result of the research, it was seen that the sensitivity of the students to protect the environment and animals increased and the students made an effort in this regard. Keywords: Life Studies course, Value education, Visual culture studies, Action research