Determining the learning levels of middle school students: Earth and universe learning field

In the science program which was renewed in 2005, four learning areas were identified. One of these learning areas is the learning field of the Earth and the Universe. New concepts have been added to the concepts of classical astronomy together with the Earth and the Universe learning field. What is more, there is no study in the literature to cover the entire secondary school Earth and the Universe learning area. In this study, it was aimed to determine the learning levels of middle school students in the field of Earth and the Universe learning. The study was carried out using the mixed approach and the case study method. The working group is formed of 40 randomly selected students in a middle school in Çorum in the academic year 2013-2014. As a data collection tool, achievement test, semi-structured interview form and word association test form were used. The achievement test was analyzed through descriptive analysis, interview nVivo, and word association test cut-off point. As a result of the analysis, it was understood that the students have low levels of learning the Earth and the Univese learning areas, do not have a high mental level, and generally have negative attitudes about the Earth and the Universe learning field subjects. At the end of the research suggestions were given in terms of making practical trainings provided by the active participation of students in teaching Earth and Universe learning field subjects, increasing the researches including new concepts and establishing astronomy classes in educational institutions. Keywords: Concept, Misconception, Learning Levels, Concept Network, Science Course