Effect of Gender on Levels of Curiosity towards Scenarios Prepared within the Scope of the Matter and Change Unit at the 5th Grade

Abstract

This study aims to determine students' levels of curiosity towards the problem-based scenarios prepared with the support of teacher candidates for the Matter and Change Unit under the 5th grade curriculum. It was also investigated whether gender influences the level of curiosity of fifth grade students. To this end, correlational-research design was used, which is a non-empirical research design among quantitative research methods. The research sample consisted of 425 (196 girl, 229 boy) 5th grade students who studied at six different state schools in Bartin in the spring term, 2015-2016. In the context of the study, a questionnaire prepared by the researcher -determining the curiosity levels-was used. The data obtained was analyzed with the descriptive analysis technique from quantitative data analysis techniques. In addition, Pearson-correlational analysis was used in order to determine whether gender influences the level of curiosity of fifth grade students. It has been found out that gender has a significant effect on students' curiosity levels about the solution of some scenarios.