Abstract

The aim of this study is to find out young Turkish students’ opinions about living thing concept in detail and to investigate the criteria used by the students to define this concept. The study sample consisted of randomly selected 140 students studying at the 3rd, 4th and 5th grades in four different primary and middle schools located in the western part of Turkey. The data of the study were collected with the help of “Living Thing Conception Questionnaire” which was adapted from Rolland (1994) and developed by the researchers. Qualitative methods were utilized in data analysis. As a result, of the analysis, it appeared was seen that the students tended to explain the concept of living things via anthropomorphism and a number of misconceptions were determined in at this respect. These misconceptions could be It is thought that those results can be originated from Turkish cultural structure and formal education system. In order to correct remove such misconceptions, teachers should consider them during teaching process and teaching/learning process should be supported with appropriate activities such as out of class activities. Thus, the misconceptions of the students related to living things with anthropomorphic roots can be overcome.

Key words: Living thing conception, misconception, anthropomorphism.