Examining TÜBİTAK 4004-nature and science schools program projects in various variables and determining stakeholder views

In this study, it is aimed to examine the projects carried out within the scope of TÜBİTAK 4004-Nature Education and Science Schools support program in terms of various variables and to determine stakeholder views. In addition, the aim of this study is to examine the effects of project practices prepared with STEM-based activities on students' interest in astronomy, scientific process skills, critical thinking and problem solving skills, robotic attitudes, STEM attitudes and quality standards thoughts for STEM practices. The research covers two project processes that are entitled to be supported in 2018 and 2019 project calls. A total of 90 students attending at the 7th and 8th grades participated in the study in Kastamonu province and its districts. Qualitative and quantitative approaches were used together in the research. One of the quantitative approaches, the experimental method, semi-experimental single group pre-test and post-test applications and survey method were used together. One of the qualitative approaches was the case study method. In the research, many scales with validity and reliability in the field literature and scales developed by the researcher were used as quantitative data collection tools. As qualitative data collection tools, semi-structured interview, group work observation form, field notes, diaries and word association form were used. When the results of the research were analyzed, it was determined that TÜBİTAK 4004 projects had a positive effect on students' interest in astronomy, scientific process skills, critical thinking and problem solving skills, robotic attitudes, STEM attitudes and quality standards thoughts on STEM applications. In the analysis of the stakeholder views, various opinions regarding the problems of these projects and solution suggestions were found.