Perceptions of elementary school students about the factors related to the heat distributioon on the earth

Abstract

This study investigates the perceptions of elementary school students about the factors related to the heat distribution on the Earth. The research sample was drawn from two hundred and fifty (250) eighth grade students in the elementary school districts of Bursa province. The research instrument was applied to sample population in October 2006. Data gathered from the multiple-choice questionnaire were analyzed by using SPSS, the statistical analysis software. At the end of the research analysis, it was found that forty four point four percent (44.4%) of the students had positive perceptions while thirty seven point seven (37.7%) of them had misperceptions. Especially, the hottest time of the day and the effect of the physical geographical space to the heat distribution were among the frequently seen misperceptions. Accordingly, the student perceptions about the factors affecting the heat distribution on the Earth were found to be not at a desirable level.