PERCEPTIONS OF MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS ABOUT SCIENCE CENTER

Abstract

In this study, the thoughts and perceptions of middle school 8th grade students about science centers were examined. The pattern of the study is qualitative. Phenomenological approach was used in the study. The sample of the study consisted of 18 eighth grade students (9 female and 9 male students). A trip to a science center was organized.After the trip, students were asked to keep a diary. Students' diaries were examined for obtaining data. In the diaries, there are 8 questions about the students' thoughts about the day's trip, what they learned and the general opinions about the science centers. According to the data obtained from the diaries, the students stated that they liked the science center as an informative learning place and found the trip funny. They also stated that the most fun aspect of the science center was the planetarium.