ICT-based Learning about Photosynthesis and Respiration in                        Elementary School Science Classes

HIRAYAMA Daisuke, MORIKAWA Hidemi, GOTO Taichiro

doi:10.11639/sjst.13001

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光合成の授業におけるICT の活用とその有効性
光合成の授業におけるICTの活用とその有効性 : 小学校理科6年小単元「生物と空気のかかわり」に注目して
コウゴウセイノジュギョウニオケル ICT ノカツヨウトソノユウコウセイ : ショウガッコウリカ 6ネンショウタンゲン「セイブツトクウキノカカワリ」ニチュウモクシテ
―小学校理科 6 年小単元「生物と空気のかかわり」に注目して―

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Abstract

An ICT-based learning program for teaching students about photosynthesis and respiration in elementary school science classes was developed using PASCO’s SPARK Science Learning System^TM (PASCO, USA), which consistsof probeware (gas sensors) and data-logging systems. First, in order to select a plant suitable for use in elementary school classes, changes in the level of CO₂and O₂ concentration for 10 minutes under light (60 W, 4500 lx) were examined in 6 plant species familiar to elementary school students (yoshino cherry, bamboo-leaved oak, satsuki azalea, mugwort, dokudami, potato). Dokudami showed the greatest changes as compared to the other 5 species.Second, classroom practice of the program for learning about photosynthesis and respiration using the SPARK System and dokudami was carried out in 4 classes of an elementary school in Tsu City, Mie Prefecture. The effectiveness of the program was assessed by open-ended questionnaires for the 45 students and 4 teachers. Eighty-four percent of the students referred to their understanding of plant photosynthesis and respiration. Thirty-three percent of students referred to the process of changes in CO₂and O₂ concentration. Visualization of the changes in gas concentration using ICT enabled the students to develop deeper understanding of photosynthetic processes. Furthermore, all 4 teachers answered that they considered the SPARK System to be effective for teaching photosynthesis and respiration. These results suggest the ICT-based learning program has great potential for science education in elementary schools.

Journal

Journal of Research in Science Education

Journal of Research in Science Education 54 (3), 419-426, 2014

Society of Japan Science Teaching

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ICT-based Learning about Photosynthesis and Respiration in Elementary School Science Classes