Effect of live simulation on middle school students' attitudes and learning toward science

Abstract

This study examined the effect of live simulation on students ’ science learning and attitude. A total of 311 middle school students participated in the simulation, which allowed them to access and interpret satellite data and images and to design investigations. A pre/post design was employed to compare students ’ science learning and attitude before and after the simulation. The findings revealed positive changes in students ’ attitudes and perceptions toward scientists, while male students had more positive adoption toward scientific attitudes than females. The study also found that the change in student’s science learning was significantly influenced by the teacher. Hence, teacher classroom preparation for the simulation experience proved vital to students ’ attitudes toward science as well as their scientific understanding. Implications for effective use of simulation to increase science-related career awareness and inform effective teaching practice are shared and discussed.