The effects of project based learning on elementary school students' achievement and classroom atmosphere

The effect of Project based learning based to achievement and classroom atmosphere in teaching social science was analysed in this study. The research is an experimental study and pre test- post test experimental pattern with control group was used in the research. The sample of the research covers fifth grade students studying at Murat Reis İlköğretim Okulu in Konak, in İzmir in 2007- 2008 Spring Semester. The study was carried out together with two groups.Traditional method was applied for the control group while a method based on Project based learning was followed for the experimental group. The study continued for five weeks with pre-test and post-test applications. In the study Social Science achievement test and Classroom Atmosphere test were used for data collecting.Quantitative data obtained from data collecting means were evaluated for testing studyhypothesis. Quantitative data was evaluated by ?t? test for dependent and independent groups in SPSS program. Findings obtained from quantitative analyses can be expressed in the following ways: It was found out that experimental group students to whom Project based learning had; been more successfull.It was not found meaningfull difference between two groups at classroom atmosphere test points.Key Words: Project Based Learning, Classroom Atmosphere, Social Science Teaching