Effects of the Plant Inquiry Instruction using Rapid-cycling Brassica rapa on the Change of Plant Concept of the Elementary School Students

속성배추를 이용한 식물 탐구 수업이 초등학생의 식물 개념 변화에 미치는 효과

This study is intended to develop plant inquiry instruction using Rapid-cycling Brassica rapa (RcBr) whose life cycle is relatively short, and to apply it to the elementary science instruction of the 4th grader and examine their plant concept, science inquiry skills and science-related attitudes. The materials were consisted of laboratory manuals for the students as well as teachers' guide. By observing the life cycle of RcBr, students can experience the conceptual learning of the plant's life cycle. In addition, this study investigated the cause of change in science inquiry skills and science-related attitudes by interviewing 12 students. It has shown that plant inquiry instruction using RcBr has meaningful effects on students' understanding of the plant concept, improving students' science inquiry skills, and changing students' science-related attitudes. Students who showed improvement in science inquiry skills were able to answer questions regarding science knowledge correctly. And students whose science related attitudes were improved had a positive attitude on cultivating RcBr. Students told that RcBr was an interesting and good material to inquire plant. Because of its small size and its relatively short life cycle of RcBR, it should be a desirable plant material for the inquiry instruction which can give rise to useful and meaningful results for the elementary school students.