ERIC Number: EJ998625
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2013-Feb
Pages: 18
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0157-244X
EISSN: N/A
Science Students Creating Hybrid Spaces When Engaging in an Expo Investigation Project
Ramnarain, Umesh; de Beer, Josef
Research in Science Education, v43 n1 p99-116 Feb 2013
In this paper, we report on the experiences of three 9th-grade South African students (13-14 years) in doing open science investigation projects for a science expo. A particular focus of this study was the manner in which these students merge the world of school science with their social world to create a hybrid space by appropriating knowledge and resources of the school and home. Within this hybrid space they experienced a deeper, more meaningful and authentic engagement in science practical work. This hybrid space redefined the landscape of the science learning experience for these students, as they could derive the twofold benefit of appropriating support when necessary and at the same time maintain their autonomy over the investigation. For South Africa and quite probably other countries; these findings serve as a guideline as to how opportunities can be created for students to do open science investigations, against prevailing school factors such as large classes, a lack of physical resources, the lack of time for practical work and the demands of syllabus coverage.
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, Science Education, Grade 9, Secondary School Science, Science Fairs, Student Projects, Educational Environment, Family Environment, Holistic Approach, Learning Experience, Investigations, Barriers, Learner Engagement
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Grade 9; Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: South Africa
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A