INTERDISCIPLINARY JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND SCIENCE EDUCATION
Research Article
Sep 29, 2020 1264 1194

Impact of an inquiry-based science activity about climate change on development of primary students’ investigation skills and conceptual knowledge

Diana Boaventura 1 2 * ,
Cláudia Faria 3,
Elsa Guilherme 3
1 Escola Superior de Educação João de Deus, PORTUGAL2 University of Lisbon, PORTUGAL3 Universidade de Lisboa, PORTUGAL* Corresponding Author
Interdisciplinary Journal of Environmental and Science Education, 2020, 16(4), e2225, https://doi.org/10.29333/ijese/8554
Full Text (PDF)

ABSTRACT

Climate change is one of the major challenges facing society today and more effective education is needed on this topic. This study analysed the effects of an inquiry-based science activity about climate change effects in ocean ecosystems, done in a research laboratory and in the classroom, on primary students’ knowledge, investigation skills and satisfaction. Data were collected through the application of pretests and posttests, direct observation, questionnaires, interviews and document analysis. Results revealed an increase in students’ scientific knowledge and application to new situations. Regarding investigation skills, all students were able to make predictions, and to easily observe and register data. However, experimental planning and conclusions were more difficult for them. Students and teachers emphasised their satisfaction with the outdoor activity, teamwork and the subject. The present study revealed a positive effect of the participation in the inquiry-based activity, embedded on a socio-scientific issue, in students’ conceptual knowledge and in the development of investigation skills.

KEYWORDS

climate change inquiry-based science learning outdoor activities ocean literacy

CITATION (APA)

Boaventura, D., Faria, C., & Guilherme, E. (2020). Impact of an inquiry-based science activity about climate change on development of primary students’ investigation skills and conceptual knowledge. Interdisciplinary Journal of Environmental and Science Education, 16(4), e2225. https://doi.org/10.29333/ijese/8554
Harvard
Boaventura, D., Faria, C., and Guilherme, E. (2020). Impact of an inquiry-based science activity about climate change on development of primary students’ investigation skills and conceptual knowledge. Interdisciplinary Journal of Environmental and Science Education, 16(4), e2225. https://doi.org/10.29333/ijese/8554
Vancouver
Boaventura D, Faria C, Guilherme E. Impact of an inquiry-based science activity about climate change on development of primary students’ investigation skills and conceptual knowledge. INTERDISCIP J ENV SCI ED. 2020;16(4):e2225. https://doi.org/10.29333/ijese/8554
AMA
Boaventura D, Faria C, Guilherme E. Impact of an inquiry-based science activity about climate change on development of primary students’ investigation skills and conceptual knowledge. INTERDISCIP J ENV SCI ED. 2020;16(4), e2225. https://doi.org/10.29333/ijese/8554
Chicago
Boaventura, Diana, Cláudia Faria, and Elsa Guilherme. "Impact of an inquiry-based science activity about climate change on development of primary students’ investigation skills and conceptual knowledge". Interdisciplinary Journal of Environmental and Science Education 2020 16 no. 4 (2020): e2225. https://doi.org/10.29333/ijese/8554
MLA
Boaventura, Diana et al. "Impact of an inquiry-based science activity about climate change on development of primary students’ investigation skills and conceptual knowledge". Interdisciplinary Journal of Environmental and Science Education, vol. 16, no. 4, 2020, e2225. https://doi.org/10.29333/ijese/8554

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