Investigation of the effectiveness of problem based teaching method in teaching the particulate structure of matter unit in primary science course

The purpose of this study is to analyze the effect of 'Problem Based Learning'(PLB)on students' academic success with respect to Particulate Nature of Structure, their attitude towards science class, and their achievement motivation regarding science class. It is also aimed to determine the applicability of 'problem based learning'in the science education. The study was carried out by using the quasi experimental research design. The sample of the study, (Cengiz Topel Secondary School 6/A experimental group and 6/B control group consist of total 53 students). The study has been conducted during 5 weeks in 2014- 2015 academic year. While problem- based learning method is implemented for the experimental group in the control group the curriculum has been applied as it is. The data collection tools are; academic achievement test, attitude surveys towards science courses, achievement motivation test, and written opinion form interviews. Analyzes of the data were performed by independent groups T- test. Before the study, while there was no statistically a significant difference in the control group and experimental group students' achievement in their Science studies, their attidudes towards the lessons and in their motivation for success, following the study statistically a significant difference was found in favor of expeimental group on view of students' achievement, their attidudes towards the lessons and in their motivation for success between two groups. In addition, students written opinion were taken about applied method and it was observed that students had positive opinions about it.