Activities design of Movements and Phases of the Moon: Spatial skill and academic achievement development

Abstract

The aim of this study is to examine the effects of activities developed on the subject of Moon Movements and Phases on the spatial skills and academic achievement of 5th-grade students. For this purpose, a mixed research method was used. In the quantitative dimension of the research, a quasi-experimental design with pretest-posttest control group was used, and in the qualitative dimension, interviews were conducted with the students in the experimental and control groups. The research was conducted with a total of 44 students attending 5th grade. The activities were prepared with the opinions of science teachers and field experts. In the research, two different measurement tools were used: Spatial Test Battery and The Achievement Test for Sun, Earth, Moon and Moon Movements and Phases. As a result of the analysis, no statistically significant difference was found between experimental and control groups in terms of achievement and spatial skills. In the analysis of qualitative data, content analysis was used. Accordingly, it was determined that the activities prepared for astronomy education by the researcher increased the spatial thinking skills of the students in the experimental group.