The effect of skill-based science activities on sixth-grade students' academic achievement and scientific creativity skills

Contemporary science education aims not only for students to acquire academic knowledge but also to develop higher-level skills such as scientific creativity. This study examines the effect of skill-based science activities on the scientific creativity levels and academic achievement of 6th grade students. The research was conducted using quantitative methods based on a pre-test-post-test control group quasi-experimental design. The sample of the study consisted of an experimental group (n=28) and a control group (n=28) of 6th grade students selected by appropriate sampling methods from a public middle school in Nevşehir city center during the 2023-2024 academic year. In the study, the pre-test averages, the opinions of the science teacher teaching the lessons, and the previous year's grade averages were examined in determining the experimental and control groups, and care was taken to select two equivalent groups. Pre-implementation analyses showed that the experimental (n=28) and control (n=28) groups were initially equivalent in terms of academic achievement and scientific creativity levels (p>.05). The experimental group was administered a module consisting of six different science activities based on skills in the sound and its properties unit, while the control group carried out the activities recommended in the current curriculum. The Scientific Creativity Scale, developed by Hu and Adey (2002) and adapted into Turkish by Deniş Çeliker (2012), and an academic achievement test developed by the researcher were used as data collection tools. The data were analyzed using an independent samples t-test. According to the research findings, the final test scores showed a significant difference in favor of the experimental group. The applications carried out demonstrate that skill-based science activities have created significant effects in favor of the experimental group on both students' academic achievements and scientific creativity levels. A significant increase in favor of the experimental group was determined in the final test scores related to the level of scientific creativity. As a result, skill-based science activities have led to improvements in students' academic achievement and scientific creativity.