An Activity Based on Prediction-Observation-Explanation Strategy Used for Teaching the Particulate Nature of Matter

Abstract

This study aims to determine the effects of activities based on the Prediction-Observation-Explanation [POE] strategy on sixth grade students’ understanding of the particulate nature of matter. The study was carried out with a sixth grade group consisting of 41 students from a middle school in an eastern city. Three activities were carried out based on the POE strategy for teaching the particulate nature of matter: Movement of the Syringe, What Happened to Iodine? What Happened to Sugar Cube? While the students initially gave answers that were not related to the particulate nature of matter and were far from being scientific, after participating in the activities using the POE strategy, the answers of the students were at a scientifically acceptable level. The results of the study indicate that different activities based on the POE strategy may be useful in teaching abstract subjects such as the particulate nature of matter.