Middle school studentsʹ metaphors of scientific ınquiry

Abstract

Abstract The purpose of this study was to determine a group of middle school students' perceptions about the concept of scientific inquiry by using metaphors. A total of 120 students participated in this study. To determine participating students' metaphors about the concept of scientific inquiry, this study used two-stage questionnaire forms. In the first stage, it was aimed to gain knowledge about students' grade, gender, and school name. In the second stage, it was asked participants to fill in the blanks of the statement, "Scientific inquiry is like … because ..." on the questionnaire. As a result of the content analysis metaphors were grouped into 8 categories: gradual process, human output, individual having a profession, creature in nature, other, course, entertainment, and organ. Metaphors generated as a result of this study can be used in teaching and learning subjects of scientific inquiry. Keywords: metaphor, middle school students, scientific inquiry