The Influence of Imagination and Creativity-Based Science Teaching on Turkish Middle School Students’ Nature of Science Views

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the influence of teaching materials that can enrich the views of middle school students about the role of imagination and creativity in scientific research. The study was conducted in a village middle school in Rize Turkey. It used a case study method within the scope of the qualitative research approach, seven activities were designed by the researchers toward the imaginative and creative nature of science (NoS). They were applied to the study group by the first researcher for twelve weeks. Data were collected with four open-ended questions and semi-structured interviews as also reflective writings and worksheets during the intervention. The NoS questionnaire and subsequent interviews were administered to participants twice, at the beginning and the end of the teaching. By using qualitative data, pre-post profiles of the students regarding the NoS were created. Each profile was classified using three-stage categories informed, transitional and naïve. It was concluded that students’ naive views on the imaginary and creative NoS changed towards transitional and/or informed.