Teaching Socioscientific Issues through Scientific Scenarios: A Case Evaluation Based on Secondary School Students’ Views

Abstract

The aim of this study is to make a situation assessment of student views on the processing of socioscientific issues through scientific scenarios.As a sample of socioscientific issues, the 'DNA and Genetic Code' unit, which is included in the secondary school science curriculum, was taken as the basis. The study was conducted with 8th grade students in a public school. As a method, a case study was used, which allowed the students' views to be examined in depth. The data were collected with a opinion form and semi-structured interviews. The opinion form data were analysed by content analysis, and semi-structured interviews were analysed by descriptive analysis. At the end of the study about the teaching of the socioscientific issues of ‘DNA and Genetic Code’ unit through scientific scenarios, it was revealed that the students thought that their academic achievement increased, they provided permanent learning, scientific scenarios were effective in associating lessons with daily life, and their awareness of social issues increased. It was also understood that they discovered skills such as critical thinking, decision-making and empathy in themselves at the end of the applications. According to the findings obtained from the students, the teaching of socioscientific issues through scientific scenarios increases the interest and motivation towards the lesson, makes the lesson enjoyable and fun, and facilitates understanding. In line with the experiences and findings obtained from the applications, suggestions were made for the use of scientific scenarios in the teaching of socioscientific issues.