The efficiency of the case- based method used in science and technology lessons in primary schools 4th-5th grades

The aim of this study is to search the effects of case-base instruction that is used for the science and technology lesson in ?Force and Motion? unit on academic success and attitudes of 4th and 5th grade students towards science and technology lesson.In this study, two classes from both 4th and 5th grades of İstanbul Eyüp Mustafa Kemal Primary School were chosen in 2009?2010 academic year.Of these two classes, for both 4th and 5th grade, one class was the control, and the other was the experimental group.The control group was introduced by traditional methods that took place in teacher?s book. The experimental group was instructed by case-based method. This experiment lasted for four weeks.4th grade science achievement test, 5th grade science achievement test, science lesson attitudes scale and personal information form were used to evaluate the students. Personal information form was applied on both groups before the application of the experiment. Achievement tests and attitude scales were applied on both groups before and also after the experiment as initial test and final test.In order to analyze data, SPSS program was used for calculation the frequency of the students answers for personal information form, achievement tests and attitude scale, for calculating arithmetical avarage, independent t test, analises of varyans ANOVA and mean.At the and of these analyses, it is abvious that the academic achievement of the experimental group, who is instructed by case- based method, is for higher the control group, who is instructed by regular traditional methods. On the other hand, there was almost no difference in both groups? students? attitudes towards science and technology lesson.As a result, this experiment showed that using case- based instruction method has positive effects on students? academic achievement but has no effect on their attitudes toward the science and technology lesson.Key Words: Instruction, Case- Based Method, Science and Technology Lesson.