The Satisfaction and Needs of Teachers on the Earth Science Model Experiments in Science Textbooks Used in Primary Schools

Abstract

This study aimed to examine teachers' satisfaction with and needs for earth science model experiments science textbooks used in primary schools. To this end, 103 primary school teachers participated in an online survey, and five teachers with doctorates in science education theory were interviewed. The findings of the study were as follows. First, primary school teachers in South Korea were highly satisfied with earth science model experiments presented in science textbooks. Second, despite the high satisfaction, there were various reasons why model experiments were inappropriate and difficult to conduct. Third, the teachers wanted to replace the model experiments of earth science that could result in misconceptions, had low success rates, and were time-consuming to prepare. Fourth, when designing earth science model experiments, teachers felt the need to confirm the meaning and accessibility of the model experiments. This study confirmed that model experiments should have a meaning and emulate the facts to help students understand rather than merely imitate.