The effect of laboratory experiment and interactive simulation use on academic achievement in teaching secondary school force and movement unit

Abstract

The aim of this study is to investigate effects of laboratory experiments and interactive simulation techniques within the framework of 5E model on academic achievement in teaching of Force and Movement unit in 6th grade science course in secondary school. The research is conducted in 6th grade of a public school in the first semester of 2017-2018 academic year. Research design of the study is
quasi-experimental design with pre-test and post-test control group, which is one of quantitative research methods. The sample of the study consists of 52 students. One experimental and one control group are used in the study. Courses in the experimental and the control group are conducted with 5E model in the constructivist learning environment for sixteen course periods in four weeks. In
experimental group, interactive simulations are conducted in the explore step of the 5E model while, in the control group, laboratory experiments are used in same step of the 5E model. The paired sample t-test and 2x2 mixed ANOVA are applied to the data obtained from the study towards academic achievement. According to the findings of the study results, it is found that interactive simulations are more effective than laboratory experiments in increasing students' academic achievement.