This study developed the software named as &ldquo / Physical World&rdquo / which is a virtual laboratory program focusing on Newtonian Physics, which supports two modes called the &ldquo / studying by observation&rdquo / and &ldquo / studying by programming&rdquo / . In &ldquo / studying by observation&rdquo / mode, the motion is calculated due to equations known by the computer. And in &ldquo / studying by programming&rdquo / mode, students write equations of motion and the computer calculates motion due to those equations. A total of six high school second grade students studied force and motion concepts, using Physical World with assistance of one instructor, six hours each. Two of the students studied with &ldquo / studying by observation&rdquo / , two of the students studied with &ldquo / studying by programming&rdquo / , and two of the students studied with use of both of the modes. All students received a test with 10 items chosen from FCI as a pretest and received the same test as a posttest. Students&rsquo / test results were examined to find effects of Physical World&rsquo / s two modes and use of both of the modes over misconceptions about physics. Their actions and responds were examined to find Physical World&rsquo / s effects on scientific thinking for each of the three groups. Four specialists from related fields examined the software and filled evaluation forms and stated feedbacks. From the responds of students during the studies, evidence of positive effect of using the &ldquo / studying by programming&rdquo / mode on scientific thinking was found. And evidence of positive effect of using both modes on misconceptions was found.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:METU/oai:etd.lib.metu.edu.tr:http://etd.lib.metu.edu.tr/upload/12604929/index.pdf |
| Date | 01 February 2004 |
| Creators | Tunca, Erkin |
| Contributors | Eryilmaz, Ali |
| Publisher | METU |
| Source Sets | Middle East Technical Univ. |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | M.S. Thesis |
| Format | text/pdf |
| Rights | To liberate the content for public access |
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