| This study compares the effectiveness of using a 5Es learning cycle instructional model versus the traditional Hunter lesson plan to teach evolution and enhance student attitudes toward the subject of science as measured by three evolution test measures and the Attitude Toward the Subject of Science Scale. The study took place at a predominantly Hispanic middle school and included 160 seventh-grade life science students. Comparison of post-test scores from the treatment groups did not show a statistically significant difference in understanding evolution or in attitudes towards the subject of science. However, paired pre-test and post-test evolution score comparisons show a significant change, indicating that the test measure detected learning for both treatment groups. The findings suggest a need for better evolution learning activities and that the 5Es model merits further research because of some positive improvements on lower scoring students. |
