Developing worksheet based on science process skills: Factors affecting solubility

This research study was carried during the academic year of 2007-2008 at the department of education, Giresun University, Turkey. Action research methodology was used in this study. Action research methodology is defined as studies made by researchers in order to solve problems (Cohen & Manion, 1989; Çepni, 2007). During laboratory sessions, researchers identified those PST that had difficulty in chemistry laboratories when transferring the SPS into practice. Action research methodology is defined as studies made by researchers in order to solve problems (Cohen & Manion, 1989; Çepni, 2007). A worksheet based on SPS, which could be useful for PST to support their awareness and knowledge of SPS, was developed about factors effecting solubility. While the worksheet was developed, these next steps were taken:

1. A topic was determined for preparing the worksheet.

2. Which SPS could be gained from the worksheet were confirmed.

3. A draft of the worksheet was prepared.

4. Experts’ input was solicited and received for consideration.

5. The worksheet was revised according to experts’ recommendations.

6. The worksheet was applied as a pilot study to PST.

Pilot Study: A pilot study was carried out with 32 first grades PST. Four groups, consisting of 5 PST and two groups of 6 PST, were formed. The PST first encounter SPS when they take the science teaching laboratory application – I lesson. Related information about SPS, such as identifying and controlling variables, formulating and testing hypotheses, operational describing, experimenting, and commenting variables were explained to the PST in the pilot study about 50 minutes before the worksheet was applied. Worksheets were handed out to each PST who completed the worksheet according to the following steps. Application of the pilot study took 90 minutes.

1.1. Worksheet Discription

The worksheet was composed of four parts, which are defined in details below:

First, a cartoon character captures students’ attention. This cartoon character gives students information about the subject. The application starts with an inquiry:

Figure I. The first part of the worksheet

In the second part of the worksheet, laboratory equipment and chemicals, that PST should know, are given. PST should write the names of certain equipment and draw pictures others whose names are given. Questions, such as designing an experiment and associating science with daily life, are also asked to gain SPS like predicting, drawing a conclusion, and planning of experiment.

Figure II. The second part of the worksheet

In the third part of the worksheet, activities for PST include formulating hypotheses about the experiment, identifying variables, designing the experiment by using variables, observing the experiment, saving and making a data table, and drawing a graph by using data, interpreting the graphs, and comparing formulated hypotheses and results of the experiment.

It is aimed at SPT to bring in SPS, such as observing, measuring, using relationships, predicting a conclusion, communicating, identifying and controlling variables, formulating and testing hypotheses, experimenting, and drawing and interpreting the graph in this part of the worksheet.

Figure III. The third part of the work sheet

In the fourth part of the worksheet, there are questions related to daily life and basic ideas about experiments.

Figure IV. The fourth part of the worksheet

Implications for Effectiveness of Worksheets based on SPS and Research

To teach factors affecting solubility and allowing PST to gain SPS, a worksheet based on SPS is illustrated here. However, the study has some limitations in providing concrete evidence of how it effects PST’ SPS, since the paper is merely a suggestion. For this reason, to investigate its effectiveness in a comparative manner, further research should be undertaken. It is believed that only one worksheet was not enough to gain SPS. For this reason, worksheets based on SPS about variety topics should be developed for laboratory activities in physics, chemistry, and biology and the effectiveness of worksheets should be investigated. Parts of this worksheet may be changed to meet the needs of sample.