The purpose of this study is to elevate elementary students' scientific attitude by first developing a microscope oriented program and implementing the same during creative experience activity period, then understanding the students' change in scienti...
The purpose of this study is to elevate elementary students' scientific attitude by first developing a microscope oriented program and implementing the same during creative experience activity period, then understanding the students' change in scientific attitude and perception of that program, and ultimately, developing and providing programs that can be utilized in elementary classroom settings. This study was implemented on a fifth grade class in Seoul district and integrative study was performed to understand the program's efficacy. Before and after scientific attitude evaluations were carried out and from them objective results were obtain through quantitative analysis. In addition, the qualitative data such as "after the fact opinion" surveys, interviews, diaries, study activity results, etc. were analyzed to understand the overall level of recognition and to increase the validity for the statistical result of the change in scientific attitude. As a result, the following conclusions can be drawn.
First, because the program developed in this study is microscope oriented creative experience activity program, subject that can stimulate students' interest and curiosity and positively change scientific attitude was chosen. Moreover, the subject chosen was composed of 12 chapters of activity contents considering the creativity and personality appropriate for the purpose of relevance to educational course and creative experience activity program. Teacher-study course and student activity sheet for each chapter were created so that the developed program can be utilized in schools. Some chapters were divided into basic and intensive activities considering students' level and operation period, and some substitute activities were also created considering school's current status.
Second, although the result of the implementation of the developed program to the creative experience activity periods indicated overall increase in the scientific attitude, there was no statistically significant difference. However, 7 of the lowest areas of the scientific attitude all saw increase in their averages after the implementation of the program. Among them, voluntariness, perseverance and creativity showed statistically significant level at p<.05
Third, the overall opinion of the program, satisfaction with the program, tendency to participate again in the program and willingness to recommend the program to others, was generally positive. On the question of the program's effectiveness, there were many opinions that there will be a positive effect on the scientific attitude. This result is similar to the result of quantitative analysis. The foregoing shows the use of microscope and interesting subject/content had an effect on positively changing the elementary students' scientific attitude.
In summarizing this study, as the result of the developed program implemented at school, the overall recognition and satisfaction of the program are positive, and the effectiveness of the program has been verified by, among the elementary students' scientific attitude scope, cultivating creativity and perseverance and encouraging voluntariness to solve problems on their own, therefore suggesting utilization of the program at actual school settings.
* A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Education.