Determining the influence of a science exhibition center training program on elementary pupils' interest and achievement in science

This research aimed to examine the effects of visiting exhibitions and participating in the activities offered by science centers on raising the interest of second level students of primary education in science and improving their academic achievements. Thirty one 8 th grade students chosen randomly from primary schools participated in the research carried out in the Feza Gursey Science Center (FGBM) in Ankara in November 2005. The "Single Group Pre Test-Post Test Model" was used in the research. The data was obtained through an "interest scale" and an "academic achievement test" prepared by the researcher. Descriptive statistics, One-Way ANOVA, and Simple Linear Regression Analysis were utilized in data analysis. Study results showed that the exhibitions and activities carried out in FGBM brought about a permanent increase in the 8 th grade students' interest in science and thus improved their academic achievement. In terms of predicting the interest scores of the students in the experimental group, the relationship between the interest scores and academic achievement scores was examined and it was observed that there was not a meaningful relationship between academic achievement and the interest scores of the students. Within this context, it is very important to develop museum training programs associated with the primary education curriculum and taking learning theories and teaching methods into consideration. Furthermore, it is necessary to repeat planned visits at sufficient intervals on a regular basis. © 2009 by EURASIA