The factors effecting elemantary school students? understanding on nature of science

The aim of this research is to determine the factors effecting elementary school students? understanding on nature of science. Moreover it is purposed that to investigate using of science process skills, understanding on nature of science, conceptual change to investigate the views of the instructed group about the science, scientist and scientific knowledge of the students which were given the understanding on nature of science activities.In the research, the pre-test post-test experimental model with a control group was used. Quasi-experimental model was followed because of using the arithmetic mean of the students for designing the control and experimental groups. The participants of the research were 60 seventh grade students (n=60) attending to a state elemantary school n Buca/İzmir during 2007-2008 instructional year. The data collection tools were Conceptual Understanding scale about the Unit of ?Body Systems? Understanding of the Nature of Science Scale, Science Process Skills Scale, Reflecting sheets Given to Students and The Views of Students. SPSS 11.0 statistical program was used for the analysis and the views of students were classified under certain headings and their numerical distribution were presented in tables.At the end of the research, it was found out the nature of science activities given to experimental group of students, increased their understandings of nature of science, conceptual understanding and science process skills? using levels. Moreover, it was determined that the activities affected the experimental group students? views about scientist and scientific knowledge positively.Finally, based on the results obtained from the study, some suggestions were given to the educators and the researchers.