The effect of digital react applications for the teaching of reproduction, growth and development in the living things unit

This study aimed to investigate the effect of teaching "Reproduction, Growth and Development in Living Things" unit in 7th grade middle school science course with digital REACT applications on students' academic achievement, attitudes towards science course and digital technology, motivation to learn science and knowledge retention. The study was conducted using a convergent parallel design in which both quantitative and qualitative data were collected simultaneously. In the quantitative dimension of the study, 66 students studying in the 7th grade in a village middle school in the Akdeniz district of Mersin in the 2022-2023 academic year constituted the study group. The study group consisted of two experimental groups and one control group. Digital REACT activities were applied in the first experimental group, only REACT strategy was applied in the second experimental group, and the existing curriculum was continued in the control group. Quantitative data were collected using the "Reproduction, Growth and Development in Living Things Academic Achievement Test", "Science Course Attitude Scale", "Attitude Towards Digital Technology Scale" and "Motivation Scale for Learning Science" and analyzed with parametric and nonparametric tests. Qualitative data were obtained through semi-structured interview forms, student diaries and researcher diaries and analyzed by content analysis. The results obtained from the research findings showed that the experimental groups showed a significant increase in academic achievement compared to the control group and that the digital REACT activities strengthened the retention of the learned knowledge. However, no statistically significant difference was found in attitude and motivation results. The results of the qualitative data analysis revealed that the digital REACT activities increased students' engagement, enhanced classroom interaction, and increased positive emotions - happiness, fun, self-confidence, and sense of accomplishment - in students. Students emphasized the usability of the experiences gained through practical activities in daily life.