In science, one of the most crucial representations for constructing meaning about physical events is graphs. The first graph students encounter in science class is the constant velocity motion graph. Therefore, examining students' understanding of structuring and interpreting these graphs for the relationship between distance, time, and velocity…

This study examined the impact of spatial ability on science achievement by distinguishing between domain-general and domain-specific spatial abilities, focusing on their relationship with the conceptual understanding of the apparent path of the sun. Additionally, the mediating effects of domain-specific spatial knowledge on the relationships…

This study evaluates the difficulties in concept reasoning, changes in response patterns, and item misconception hydrolysis patterns using Rasch modeling. Data were collected through the development of 30 distractor-based diagnostic test items, measuring ten levels of conceptual reasoning ability in three types of salt hydrolysis compounds:…

Physics homework often boils down to solving end-of-chapter quantitative problems. For targeting different learning goals of physics education, different types of homework are needed. The aim of this research was to compare the effectiveness of simulation-based, video-based, and paper-and-pencil homework in developing an understanding about…

It is important for students to understand force concepts because they are central to learning physics and other sciences; however, students find it difficult to understand. There are calls for teachers to tap into their professional knowledge and develop beliefs that help them assist students comprehend the topic. To meet this challenge,…

Learning about the Earth through geoscience education is important in order to make informed decisions about the future of the Earth. The aim of this study is to examine students' conceptual development on geoscience subjects based on inquiry-based learning. 7th grade students participated in this study. The researcher prepared lesson plans and…

The challenge of accurately assessing critical thinking in physics education, particularly on topics like work and energy, remains a key issue for educators. The current study aims to address this challenge by exploring students' critical thinking abilities using two-tier test data analyzed through the Rasch model. Data were collected from…

Although "Reproduction, Growth, and Development in Living Things" (RGDLT) is a core topic in the Turkish science curriculum, it is known that students have difficulties in understanding. Integrating concept cartoons and argumentation into the teaching of this unit has the potential to promote students' interest and understanding. This…

There is a severe shortcoming in science programs in kindergartens in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, this paper presents a conceptual framework for teaching physics concepts to kindergartens to contribute to the consolidation of scientific knowledge by stimulating the skills of inquiry, problem-solving and scientific thinking among children. The…

Analogies and modelling have been developed and applied in learning and teaching science to facilitate students' understanding of abstract concepts, such as atomic structure. Considering few studies focus on comparing the effects of two teaching strategies--analogy-based teaching (ABT) and modelling-based teaching (MBT)--this study aims to compare…

Inquiry-based learning has been widely applied in the classroom. Different inquiry learning models may have different orders of performing tasks and discussing. In this study, the Discuss-Do (D-DO) inquiry model and the Do-Discuss (DO-D) inquiry model were applied in the science learning of two groups of fifth-grade students. Group 1 (n = 41) used…

The topic 'photosynthesis' contains many intangible and abstract scientific concepts, regarding which students hold many preconceptions. Conceptual learning is a process of co-creation and flow that requires the teachers' higher educational level on conceptual teaching. The present research considers photosynthesis as an example. Results of Ball's…

Cross-age studies have suggested that although children's notions of scientific phenomena change moderately with increasing age, certain misconceptions persist from preschool to a higher educational level. The purpose of this study was to diagnose the prevalence of selected misconceptions about the particulate nature of matter among preservice…

While existing studies have underscored the educational benefits of generating explanatory hypotheses (EHs) in response to unexpected outcomes, empirical research on the underlying mechanisms driving their effectiveness in science learning remains limited. Thus, this study aimed to empirically examine the effectiveness of generating an EH for…

This research focuses on students' higher-order cognitive skill (HOCS)-oriented learning to construct effective hierarchical thinking abilities in their chemical particulate nature of matter. For in-depth knowledge and profound understanding, this research deals with students' positive developments towards HOCS with a special guidance to Marzanos'…