The effects of the using concept cartoons in elementary education 7th grade science and technology lesson, in "food chain" subject of human and environment unit on students' academic achievements

The aim of the study was to examine the effects of concept cartoons in ?food chain and food web? subject of ?Human and Environment Unity? which is given in science lessons to the 7th grade student of elementary schools on the success of the students in the science lessons, to remove the students? misconceptions and compare these effects with group working.Semi-experimental study design with pre-test and post-test control groups was used in the study. Experimental phase of the study was carried out in the ?food chain and food web? subject of ?Human and Environment? unit. 39 students in experiment group and 39 students in control group, total 78 students chosen randomly from 7th grade students in Ali Rıza Çevik Elementary School in Manisa. The study was done in second educational season in 2008-2009. As the study was an experimental study, no sampling and population determining was made and only study group was used in the current study. Concept cartoons which prepared by investigator were used in experimental group with group working whereas only group working was used in control group at lesson time.The data required to inquire the problems in the study were achieved by the investigator using Success Test in Science which were developed bye investigator. Data were analyzed by using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) for the Success Test for Science Lesson. These statistical calculations were made by using SPSS Statistic Software (version 11.0). To determine the opinions of students about concept cartoons was done with group interviews. The data were analyzed with descriptive analysis.The study revealed that: Concept cartoons are more efficient in elevating the students? success in Science Lesson. The data gathered from group interviews are, students? interests rise toward Science Lessons, students achieve high motivation toward the Science Lessons, could have been more active in lessons, could share their opinions with their friends thanks to group working and the lesson occurs more entertaining with concept cartoons.