at Google ScholarTitle data
Paul, Jürgen ; Lederman, Norman G. ; Groß, Jorge:
Learning experimentation through science fairs.
In: International Journal of Science Education.
Vol. 38
(2016)
Issue 15
.
- pp. 2367-2387.
ISSN 1464-5289
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/09500693.2016.1243272
Abstract in another language
Experiments are essential for both doing science and learning science. The aim of the German youth science fair, Jugend forscht, is to encourage scientific thinking and inquiry methods such as experimentation. Based on 57 interviews with participants of the competition, this study summarises students’ conceptions and steps of learning about experimentation, taking into account age disparities. Five distinct subdomains of learning were identified in which learning processes may occur. These subdomains are procedure, purpose, material, control, and time. The three separate age groups used slightly different concepts but all the participants took the same or very similar steps of learning independent of their age. Two main reasons for conceptual developments could be detected: Firstly, the participating students had the opportunity to work using methodology similar to the commonly accepted scientific path of knowledge. Secondly, due to communication processes during the competition, a purposive reflection of their own project was promoted. With respect to different educational levels, experimentation proves to be a complex scientific framework that will be learnt step by step throughout students’ education. We therefore argue for a stronger anchoring of research experiments embedded in open or authentic inquiry to be included in science lessons at school.
Further data
| Item Type: | Article in a journal |
|---|---|
| Refereed: | Yes |
| Keywords: | Inquiry-based learning; experimentation; conceptual change; students' conceptions; learning process; science competition |
| Institutions of the University: | Faculties > Faculty of Biology, Chemistry and Earth Sciences > Department of Chemistry > Chair Didactics of Biology and Chemistry > Chair Didactics of Biology and Chemistry - Univ.-Prof. Dr. Jürgen Paul |
| Result of work at the UBT: | No |
| DDC Subjects: | 300 Social sciences > 370 Education 500 Science > 500 Natural sciences |
| Date Deposited: | 06 Nov 2025 09:57 |
| Last Modified: | 06 Nov 2025 09:57 |
| URI: | https://eref.uni-bayreuth.de/id/eprint/95142 |