Determination of knowledge levels and awareness about particle physics of pre-service science teachers according to studies in CERN

The purpose of this study is to determine the awareness and knowledge levels of pre-service science teacher about particle physics. At the same time, it was aimed to examine the knowledge levels of pre-service science teacher on the particle physics in terms of various variables such as age range, gender, class level and order of preference.As a research model and the research design, the Mixed Method and the simultaneous nested pattern were used respectively. In this study, 221 pre-service teachers from all class level who attend the Department of Science Education, Faculty of Education at Akdeniz University participated in the spring term (second semester) of 2017-2018 academic year. In this study these data collection tools were used: Particle Physics Information Evaluation Form consisting of 17 open-ended questions which was developed by Tuzón ve Solbes (2016) and Personal Information Form consisting of 5 substances was prepared by the researcher. Qualitative and quantitative data obtained from the application were analyzed with appropriate analysis methods. Descriptive analysis technique was used in the analysis of qualitative data. The answers given by the participants were used by Tuzón ve Solbes (2016) high-level answer (1 point), mid-level answer (0,5 point) and low-level answer (0 point) categories and presented by frequency-percentage analysis. Statistical analysis program was used to analyze the quantitative data. The data were determined to meet the normal distribution requirement. Then, the results were obtained by applying the Independent-Samples T Test and One Way Anova. As a result of the qualitative data analysis, it was determined that the pre-service science teachers have limited awareness about particle physics and their sufficient knowledge levels are limited, however, they had misconceptions about some basic physics level concepts. As a result of the quantitative data analysis, a significant difference was found between the scores obtained from the Particle Physics Information Evaluation Form and the class levels. This significant difference was found between 2nd class level and 1st,3rd,4th class level and it was found to be in favor of 1st,3rd,4th class level. Keywords: CERN, Particle Physics, Awareness, Knowledge Level, Science Education, Science Teaching