A Comparison of Knowledge Levels of Students with and without Intellectual Disabilities about Astronomy Concepts1

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to compare knowledge levels of students with and without intellectual
disabilities about astronomy concepts such as shape and motion of the earth, formation of day and night, phases
and motion of moon and motion of sun. Quantitative data was collected through multiple choice test (Basic
Astronomy Knowledge Test-BAKT) applied to the 5th grade integrated students with intellectual disabilities
(N=50) and without intellectual disabilities (N=50). As a result of the analysis a significant difference was
observed between the test results of the students with and without intellectual disabilities. It has been determined
that students with and without intellectual disabilities are mostly wrong at motion of the earth, formation of day
and night and motion and phases of moon. Solutions and suggestions regarding science education have been put
forward in the light of findings