Teaching the waves through 5E-learning model supported by investigation-based learning approach: An action research

In the study, waves as a topic and its application were tackled according to 5E learning model which is supported by inquiry-based learning approach. Designed as an action research, it was conducted with the participation of 58 high school students at 10th grade in an Anatolian high school in Ankara during the spring semester of 2017-2018 academic year. In the study, researcher and student diaries, attitude scale on waves, a conceptual comprehension form on waves, semi-constructed interviews, video recordings and photographs, and hand-made materials were used as data gathering tools. Moreover, an action plan was developed, and by taking into consideration expert views and making use of literature, activities were designed by the researcher so that they cover the bow, water, and sound waves; and it was ensured that these activities were in accordance with the aim of the study. In the analysis of data, paired-sample t test, descriptive and content analyses were used. At the end of the study, it was determined that there is a conceptual understanding change for students in general. Moreover, it was also determined that there is a meaningful different in students' attitude levels, and that their attitudes increased in the last application. As far as inquiry-based learning was concerned, it was determined that students have positive views and they think they it should be helpful to use it in teaching topics.