Research of elementary eighth grade students? achievement levels in the unit ?states of the matter and head? and attitudes towards the science

Main objectives of this research are to investigate the success of 8th grade elementary school students in the unit that is called ?States of the Matter and Heat?, to explore the students? attitudes toward science and to investigate the students? placement exam achievements.In this research, survey method was used. Population of this research consists of elementary 8th grade students who had been continued to Placement Exam Preparation Course in Finike and Kumluca, where are the towns of Antalya, in 2008-2009 academic years. Data was gathered by an achievement test and a science attitude scale. In this research, two samples have been built up. The achievement test?s validity and reliability studies were carried out with the first sample (n=84). Then the application of the achievement test and science attitude scale was carried out with second sample (n=179).According to the results, the average score of the achievement test in the unit is 21.03 points out of 32 points. In spite of the test score is above the average, students have lack of knowledge about some issues and concepts in this unit. It is observed that, fathers? occupation and students? gender wasn?t affect the students? level of success in this unit, based on learning science and on attitudes toward science. In addition, parents? education and income level had positive effects on students? level of success in this unit, based on learning science and on attitudes toward science. Also it is determined that, there are significant correlations between the students? Achievement Test scores, Placement Test Scores, Secondary Placement Scores and sample exam scoresIn light of these findings, some suggestions was given to increase the students? achievement level of unit ?Phases of the Matter and Heat? based on learning the science and attitude towards science and for future scientific researches.Key Words: Science Education, Primary Education, Heat and Temperature, Case Study, Attitude toward Science, Secondary Placement Examination