The Effects on student attitude and achievement to teaching of geographic information systems supported subject of Turkey?s natural resources? in social studies courses

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) on the students at 6th grade in Social Studies teaching which is related to the subject of Turkey?s Natural Resources and to determine students? attitude towards GIS technology. Research was implemented in 2006-2007 fall semester in Ankara in a primary school for the 6th grade total 40 (20 experimental, 20 control) students based on pretest-posttest control group design in the experimental method. The obtained data of pretest-posttest were analyzed by ttest and ANOVA. In this study, interactive maps which is related to the Natural Resource of Turkey?s subject was developed by using ?ArcView 9.2? software. The results revealed that implementing GIS based maps increased students? achievement related to Natural Resources of Turkey?s subject and students? attitude is positive towards GIS technology. The study was concluded in giving clarifying suggestions to the teachers and researcher who will use GIS technology in a more effective way.