Evaluation of laboratory qualifications and applications in science and art centers (BİLSEM)

This study was carried out to describe the current situation in science labs of Science and Art Center (BİLSEM) that gives education to talented students. In this qualitative study, survey method was used. In the study 80 science teachers? views on the laboratory conditions and applications in Science and Art Centers were determined. Teachers are working in 19 Science and Art Centers (BİLSEM), which are established before 2008 and completed their institutional structure and assumed to hold experienced teachers in its staff and they filled questionnaires willingly.The data have been obtained as a result of the questionnaires which are filled by Science, Physics, Chemistry and Biology teachers who are studying in BİLSEMs. The questionnaire developed previously by Uluçınar et al. (2008) and consisting of 6 parts was used as data collection tool with adaptation to BİLSEM conditions based on the purpose of the study. SPSS package program was used in order to interpret the data.This study demonstrated that laboratories of science and art centers are inadequate in terms of physical and hardware infrastructure, security infrastructure and equipment infrastructure. Preparations made before the science classes and wealth of methods and techniques used during the activities differ significantly according to the gender of teachers, educational situations, and courses and lectures they have attended. On the other hand there is no significant differentiation according to professional seniority and different majors. It has been also observed that students are happier during the experimental activities and learning is more permanent.Key words: BİLSEM, Science, Art, Talented, Laboratory practices, Laboratory adequacy