Outdoor learning environments in elementary school fourth grade science teaching: An action research

In this study, it is aimed to apply an outdoor learning environment design in 4th grade Science lesson and to identify the process of reflection. Accordingly, outdoor learning activities which had been developed within Science curriculum acquisitions and yearly plan were used on habitats of living part for six weeks afterwards parents and students were interviewed. The scope of this study is not measure the academic achievement, although conversely the purpose is to evaluate this design by the interviews of parents and students. Moreover, it is aimed to make proposals for the future. An action research design were used in this study and the researcher participated directly to this process. The datas collected through qualitative research methods. In the preparation of daily plans for the study benefited from expert opinions during the process. For the application process a 4th grade class in Akder private elementary school were selected. Data collection tools are activity sheets, performance assessment forms, interview forms for parents and students, students diaries and students' everyday products. Gathered data were analysed through descriptive and content analyses. The following results have been obtained from this research: Students were not only show keen participation to this outdoor science activities but they also made creative products. Students reports showed that outdoor science activites were entertaining them. For those who learn new information from outdoor activities, they had started to enjoy science lessons, increasement can be said in students' interest and curiosity to course. Parents opinions showed that pupils' started to think about enviromental awareness and knowledge had been improved. Last of all both students and parents focused on positive reflection of outdoor science activites.