The effects of extra-curricular activities of biotechnology on students' biotechnology knowledge and their nature of science perceptions

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of extra-curricular activities of biotechnology on bitechnology knowledge and nature of science perception of elementary students. In the study, one group experimental design was conducted. The sample of the study was consisted of 30 8th grade students in an elementary school in Erzurum Province in the education term of 2013-2014. Within the scope of the study, several extra-curricular activites on the biotechnology topic were designed and provided to supplement the formal elementary science and technology curriculum at 8th grade level. Before and after students were participated in the extra-curricular activities, Biotechnology Knowledge Test and Nature of Science Test were taken in order to compare the effect of the treatment on students. The reliability of the scales were calculated and found reliable at moderate degree. The data gathered from the sample were analyzed through paired sample t-test and correlation analysis. Results showed that there were significant differences between both pre- and post-tests. It was revealed that extra-curricular activities had positive effects on biotechnolgy knowledge and nature of science perception of participants. As a result of the study, there was a positive correlation between bioteknology knowledge level change and nature of science perception change. Moreover, it was found that participants had some missing knowledge and misunderstanding about biotechnology-related issues.