Analysis of Elementary Students' Scientific Justification Activities based on Evidence

초등학생의 '증거' 사용에 따른 '과학적 정당화' 활동의 분석

For this study, inquiry-based learning program was developed for promoting elementary students' scientific justification activities based on their uses of scientific evidences. The program was applied to the 5th grade science class to examine the types of evidences and major features of scientific justification activities. Analysis of the data showed that the evidences used by students were classified into knowledge-based evidence, experience-based evidence and authority-based evidence. As for students' justification features, this study reports three major cases: a case evolving evidence and justification to become more valid and logical, as inquiry activities progressed, other case maintaining less valid and illogical evidence and justification, and final case revealing passive and reluctant participation in the inquiry activities. Overall, students' participation in scientific justification process became more valid and relevant, while there were some students who were unable to make the relevant relations between evidences and claims they made. The educational implications were discussed to consider more effective ways to improve the scientific classroom environment through social knowledge construction.