The Effect of Chemistry Activities Applied in Science Camp on Secondary School Students

Abstract

The purpose of the study is to evaluate the effects of chemistry activities applied in summer science camp on secondary school students. Action research was used in the study as the method. The sample of the study consists of 48 7th grade students who study at elementary school in Cayeli district of Rize province, in Turkey. Each week 24 students participated in the camp, which lasted two weeks. The activities that were carried out are; “The Gases in the Air”, “Sad Tears of the Sky”, “Recycling”, “Let’s Use Soap and Be Clean”, “Soap Foam Fountain”. During the activities, “Chemistry Science Interview Form” including four open-ended questions related to chemistry was applied to the students before and after the activities in the camp. Besides, “Reflective Journals” were used to reveal the participants’ thoughts about the chemistry activities that were applied in the camp. Content analysis was used in analyzing the data collection tools. It was found out that students can use more conceptions and statements on chemistry, and they can associate them with daily life in a better way after the science camp. Also, the findings indicate that chemistry activities which were carried out within the scope of the project contribute to chemistry, and to the students’ interest in this profession.