The effect of cartoons in teaching science: "Let's explore the force" example

This study aims to research the effect of cartoons which are prepared about the ?let?s explore the force? subject, based on 5E model of constructivist approach on students academic success, conceptual learning and sensory learning levels. In this study, semi-experimental researching method is used. The sampling of the study is composed of 60 students (30 test , 30 control) getting education in 2011-2012 school year, in Kemaliye Primary school in Vakfıkebir, Trabzon. Academic success test, conceptual comprehension test and sensory field identification scale are used as a means of data gathering in this study, in which, test group students got lessons by cartoons developed according to 5E model of constructivist approach, control group students got lessons by textbooks with 5E applications of Ministry of National Education. Data gathering instruments were developed by the researcher. The data from the ?let?s explore the intensity? subject success test were analyzed by SPSS 17.0 package. In success test and conceptual comprehension test , while groups are compared within themselves, dependent t-test was used. when groups are compared with each other, independent t- test was used. The relationship between the scores of pre-test, final test and delayed final test applied on the test group is analyzed by relationship variance analysis (ANOVA). The data obtained from sensory field identification scale is assessed as frequency analysis. At the end of the study, it was observed that, the changes happened on academic success, conceptual comprehension and sensory aspect in test group who were taught by cartoons prepared according to 5E model of constructivist approach brought a better contribution than the control group students and the situation developed in favor of test group. Both groups were found equal only on the permanence of the success aspect. Through the obtained results, it is suggested that cartoons should be used in other subjects of science which are difficult to comprehend.