Research article | Open Access
TAY Journal 2025, Vol. 9(1) 115-140
Examining The Effects of the Project Titled “Mineral Hunters: An Adventure in the Footsteps of Geology”
pp. 115 - 140 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.29329/tayjournal.2025.1080.05
Publish Date: March 31, 2025 | Single/Total View: 7/3 | Single/Total Download: 8/3
Abstract
This study examines the impact of the TÜBİTAK-supported project, “Mineral Hunters: An Adventure on the Trail of Geology” on secondary school students in Eskişehir, Türkiye. The project aimed to increase students’ curiosity about the region’s underground resources, including semi-precious gemstones and minerals, and to provide hands-on experiences in geology. Conducted over six days with 41 sixth and seventh grade students, the Project works involved both theoretical and applied activities, such as workshops, field trips, and creative tasks. In the study designed with explanatory sequential design from mixed method models, pre-test and post-test were applied in order to measure the knowledge levels of the students before and after the project. Results showed a significant improvement in students’ understanding of mineralogy and geology, with seventh-grade students showing higher achievement. The majority of students reported enjoying the project, particularly the hands-on activities and creative drama workshops. However, some students expressed dissatisfaction with the trip’s conditions, such as high temperatures and poor internet connectivity. Overall, the project was effective in enhancing students’ knowledge, skills, and interest in geology, suggesting the value of experiential learning in fostering deeper engagement with scientific topics. In light of the results obtained from the study, it is recommended that similar works, which allow students to learn by doing and observe on-site, be promoted.
Keywords: Geology, rocks, blue chalcedony, out of school learning, mineralogy, science literacy, TÜBİTAK
APA 7th edition
Ozkara, F.C., Yoldac, E., Unluer, M., Erkoyun, H., Kayir, G., & Yilmaz, E. (2025). Examining The Effects of the Project Titled “Mineral Hunters: An Adventure in the Footsteps of Geology”. TAY Journal, 9(1), 115-140. https://doi.org/10.29329/tayjournal.2025.1080.05
Harvard
Ozkara, F., Yoldac, E., Unluer, M., Erkoyun, H., Kayir, G. and Yilmaz, E. (2025). Examining The Effects of the Project Titled “Mineral Hunters: An Adventure in the Footsteps of Geology”. TAY Journal, 9(1), pp. 115-140.
Chicago 16th edition
Ozkara, Funda Ciray, Ersen Yoldac, Melih Unluer, Hulya Erkoyun, Gokhan Kayir and Engin Yilmaz (2025). "Examining The Effects of the Project Titled “Mineral Hunters: An Adventure in the Footsteps of Geology”". TAY Journal 9 (1):115-140. https://doi.org/10.29329/tayjournal.2025.1080.05
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