Research article | Open Access
International Journal of Educational Researchers 2024, Vol. 15(2) 1-15
pp. 1 - 15 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.29329/ijer.2024.1041.1
Publish Date: June 30, 2024 | Single/Total View: 84/386 | Single/Total Download: 239/410
Abstract
Recently, informal learning processes occurring outside formal educational institutions have been playing a critical role in accessing and structuring knowledge. Popular children's journals stand out for providing accessible, cost-effective, and enjoyable learning experiences for children. The aim of this study is to analyze the contents related to astronomy published in the Magazine Bilim Çocuk, a popular children's journal, between 2004 and 2024, by searching for the keywords 'astronaut' and 'astronomer.' The analysis is conducted within the framework of the Science Curriculum in Türkiye published in 2018, focusing on units, subject areas, and specific objectives. In this paper, document analysis, and a qualitative research method were used. It covers 12 astronomy-themed contents published between August 2004 and January 2024. Data collection was carried out through TÜBİTAK's e-magazine archive. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive analysis, and the findings were evaluated by comparing them with the expectations of the science curriculum in Türkiye. The results of the study indicate that the contents related to 'astronaut' and 'astronomer' predominantly focus on the subject area of 'Earth and the Universe' and the unit of 'Solar System and Beyond.' Moreover, these contents do not directly align with the specified objectives except from the 7th-grade level. The study emphasizes the need to integrate current concepts such as space, life in space, space research, space stations, spacewalks, space pollution, and gravity-free environment into the curriculum at each grade level. In conclusion, the motivation for this study originated from the historic moment when the first Turkish astronaut, Alper Gezeravcı, embarked on his journey to space on January 19, 2024, conducting 13 different experiments on the International Space Station (ISS). Considering the research findings and the initiating space journey, this study provides concrete recommendations for the science curriculum and science education in Turkey to more effectively incorporate 'astronaut' and 'astronomer' topics, contributing to the country's scientific and technological development.
Keywords: Astronomy, Science Curriculum in Turkiye, Magazine Bilim Çocuk, Astronaut, Alper Gezeravcı
APA 7th edition
Ozden, I. (2024). Analysis of Astronaut and Astronomer-themed Contents in Magazine Bilim Çocuk within the Context of the Science Curriculum in Turkiye. International Journal of Educational Researchers, 15(2), 1-15. https://doi.org/10.29329/ijer.2024.1041.1
Harvard
Ozden, I. (2024). Analysis of Astronaut and Astronomer-themed Contents in Magazine Bilim Çocuk within the Context of the Science Curriculum in Turkiye. International Journal of Educational Researchers, 15(2), pp. 1-15.
Chicago 16th edition
Ozden, Ilim (2024). "Analysis of Astronaut and Astronomer-themed Contents in Magazine Bilim Çocuk within the Context of the Science Curriculum in Turkiye". International Journal of Educational Researchers 15 (2):1-15. https://doi.org/10.29329/ijer.2024.1041.1