Using digital media through sequential worksheets : an astronomy activity

Abstract

Learning from digital media is one of the notable learning environments used outside of school. The effect of using digital technology in education is well known today, as where such tools are used appropriately in lessons, they can make an effective contribution to the teaching and learning of abstract science subjects such as astronomy. The purpose of this study was to design an astronomy activity for elementary level students. We worked with 30 preservice primary school teachers (PPSTs). The activity was based on the fifth-grade elementary level topic of “Space systems: Stars and the Solar system.” The materials used were digital media tools and worksheets prepared in accordance with curriculum standards, and were applied sequentially. At the end of the activity, a feedback paper was applied to enable the PPSTs to identify their thoughts about the activity. The PPSTs noted that learning open digital media tools for the purpose of astronomy education was seen as a contribution of the activity. They also expressed that the activity could help fifth-grade students to learn astronomy concepts more easily and tangibly. It is hoped that the activity may be applied in both formal and informal learning environments for elementary level students’ astronomy learning.