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Asia-Pacific Forum
on Science Learning and Teaching, Volume 12, Issue 1, Article 5
(Jun., 2011) |
Turkish elementary and secondary students’ views about science and scientist
Behiye AKCAY
Istanbul University
Hasan Ali Yucel Faculty of Education
Department of Science Education
Istanbul/TURKEYE-mail: bbezir@gmail.com
Received 20 Jul., 2010
Revised 29 Mar., 2011
The aim of this study was to determine elementary and secondary students’ views concerning science and scientists. Data gathered from Draw-a-Scientist Test (DAST) and essays written by students were used to analyze their views. The study involved 359 students in grades 5 through 11. The results indicate that student’s perceived scientists as to be males who are young age, do their work indoors, smile while working, and believe that they have dedicated their lives to humanity. Further, students have been building up more positive images of scientists through upper grades. Secondary school students have less stereotypical images of scientists than the elementary school students.
Keywords: Science Education, The Draw-a-Scientist Test (DAST), Scientist, Student view
