The effect of poe acti̇vi̇ti̇es embedded i̇n the uni̇t of "the structure of matter and its properti̇es" on 7th grade students' academi̇c achi̇evement and alternati̇ve concepti̇ons

This study investigated the effect of POE activities on 7th grade students' academic achievement and alternative conceptions in the unit of "The Structure of Matter and Its Properties". Pre-post test control group design was used as the model of the study. The sampling group consisted of totally 58 students (29 students from both groups equally) enrolled in a secondary school in the spring term of 2013-2014. In the control group, students were taught with the help of compulsory activities offered by national science programme. However, students in the experimental group were exposed to POE activities, as well. Data were collected through a concept achievement test and a conceptual change attitude scale before and after the implementations. The analysis were done by using non-parametric tests of SPSS Program. At the end of the study, it was found that students have many alternative conceptions regarding the concepts take place in the context of the unit. Analysis also showed that there is no significant difference between the mean scores of concept achievement test in favour of experimental group (p<0.05). In conclusion, POE activities took students' attention and they enjoyed it. POE activities are useful alternatives in case long-lasting experiments and lack of materials. These experiments would be adaptated into POE activities and then represented via multimedia tools. Key Words: POE Activities, Alternative Conceptions, Science Education, Academic Achievement, Conceptual Change