The Effect of Alternative Low Cost Experiments on Seventh Grade Students' Alternative and Misconceptions of Concepts Related to Matter and Its Properties and States

Abstract

The aim of this study was to explore the effect of alternative, local, and low cost experiments on seventh grade students' alternative and misconceptions of concepts related to matter and its properties and states. The study followed the Quasi-Experimental design. A sample consisted of two seventh grade classes, which included 56 students were randomly selected. One of the classes (27 students) served as an experimental group, while the other class (29 students) served as the control group. A valid and reliable written multiple choice and open-ended questionnaire was designed and given to both the control group and the experimental group before and after the intervention (pre- and posttest).The results of the data analysis of student's responses indicated that they hold many alternative conceptions as well as misconceptions about concepts related to the matter and its properties and states. The results indicated also that there were statistically significant differences in the comprehension of science concepts between the control group and the experimental group in favor of the experimental group. These results showed that the alternative low cost experiments have direct and positive impact on student's conceptions of science concepts.