Is an Apple Act Gravitational Force on Earth? Constructivist Approach to Understanding Gravity and Universal Law of Gravitation

Abstract

Investigations related science concepts of students are important to construct scientific understanding. However there are few studies on gravity and universal law of gravitation, especially at the undergraduate level. The aim of this study is to investigate the the effect of 5E teaching model on science student teachers' understanding gravity and universal law of gravitation. The sample of the study consists of nine volunteer first year student teachers in Science Teaching Program in Fatih Faculty of Education, Karadeniz Technical University in Turkey. Both qualitative and quantitative data were gathered to find answers to the research questions. Data tools are diagnostic test including two-tier multiple choice and open-ended questions, semi-structured interview and observation. Some criterions were formed to analysis the diagnostic test. The descriptive analysis was used for data analysis of interviews and observation. Findings revealed that before application student teachers have non-scientific explanations and lack of knowledge about gravitation. But after application they reached scientific explanations. Before application student teachers were in D and E levels of learning but after application they reached to A and B levels of learning. It is concluded that the application based on 5E teaching model is effective about understanding the gravitation. © Sila science. all rights reserved.