Design and implementation of science laboratory activities using data logger and constructivist laboratory approach

SUMMARY Design and Implementation of Science Laboratory Activities using Data Logger and Constructivist Laboratory Approach We are living in a fast moving age. There are many developments in science and technology. In accordance with these developments, we have to enrich science laboratory activities using Information Communication Technologies (ICT). One of them is Data Logger. Science students have been recording or logging information with a paper and pencil for generations. It is too difficult and confines students. To overcome this problem, data logging is offered to use in science laboratories. Data logger is a tool obtaining data. The basic elements of Data Logger are sensors, interface box and computer system. The purpose of this study is two fold; a) to compare science student teachers' achievement between experimental and control group b) to obtain the views of the science student teachers on the application of data logging. This study was implemented at Karadeniz Technical University in Fatih Faculty of Education in the spring semester of 2004-2005 academic years. It is used two research methods in this study, a quasi- experimental design and a case study approach. The sample consists of 100 science teacher students. One of the classes is selected by control group (N=50) and another is selected by experimental group (N=50) randomly. The test consisting of 22 multiple-choice questions was developed based on a pilot study. It was implemented two times on sample as pre and post-test. A semi-structured interview that consists of 3 questions was undertaken with 20 science student teachers in experimental group. In addition, an observation was applied during the applications. The collected data showed that the experiments performed by Data Logger increased science student teachers' achievement according to experiments performed by conventional laboratory equipments. In addition, data logging created new opportunities for investigating and thinking about science concepts. Key Words: Microcomputer Based Laboratories, Data Logger, ICT, Constructivist Approach, Physics Laboratory VI