Worksheets Enriched with Computer-Assisted Activities Based on the Constructivist Learning Theory: An Example of Half-Life and Radioactive Decay

Abstract

This study is aimed to enrich the worksheets, which are based on the constructivist learning approach for the concepts of half-life and radioactive decay, with computer-assisted activities. For this purpose, the worksheet developed for the constructivist learning theory related to half-life is enriched with virtual experiment and animation, and the other worksheet developed for the concept of radioactive decay is enriched with animations containing cube activity. The pilot application of the worksheets enriched with computer-assisted activities was carried out with eighteen 11th grade students. The main application of these worksheets was carried out with a total of 35 11th grade students, 14 of which were from an Anatolian High School and 11 from an ordinary high school. Following the main applications, 2 chemistry teachers and 6 students were interviewed about the worksheets and the application process. The data obtained from the interviews are presented by direct quotes for the purpose of thoroughly reflecting the opinions. As a result of the study, the application process and the worksheets enriched with computer-assisted activities were found to be different, attentive-grabbing, and fun for teachers and students. We think that the worksheets created by computer-aided activities will help teachers, teacher candidates, and researchers who would like to work in this field.

Keywords: Half-life, radioactive decay, chemistry education, material development