The effect of science festivals upon with problem based stem activities on the student's science attitudes and academic achievements

The aim of this study is to investigate the problem based STEM activities through science festivals on the middle school students' science course academic achievements and science attitudes. The study was realized in spring and fall semesters of 2016-2017 academic year. The students chosen randomly from two primary school of Kastamonu province were the samples of the study. The total number of students attending study are 40. The quantitative study method is semi-experimental with pre- and post-tests along with control group. The qualitative and quantitative both data collection tools were used together. The science achievement test, work sheets and science attitude scale were used as a quantitative data collection tools. As a qualitative data collection tools, the interview, the focus group interview and observation tools were used. Our team developed all data collection tools. While, the experimental group students were trained with problem based STEM activities in all about the research, the control group student were trained with constructive activities. Totally, the research study lasts 10 weeks containing 8 weeks for execution of activities and two weeks for beginning and final ceremonial acknowledgment activities. At the end of the study, the quantitative data were analyzed with SPSS 20.0 pocket program and the qualitative data were analyzed with content analysis method and in order to determine significant differences between control and experimental groups, t-test was accomplished. As a result, the students who were educated with problem based STEM activities differentiates significantly than the students who were educated with constructive perspective activities in both academic achievements and science attitudes and this significant difference is in favor of the experimental group.