Effects of an Experiential Astronomy Camp on Basic Astronomy Knowledge and Scientific Attitudes of Upper Primary School Students

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the effects of an experiential astronomy camp on elementary school students’ basic astronomy knowledge and scientific attitudes. The target group consisted of 83 students in Grades 4–6 from a medium-sized extended opportunity school and a small-sized primary school under the Singburi Primary Educational Service Area Office. The students participated in a one-day experiential astronomy camp consisting of four daytime activity stations and two nighttime activity stations. The research employed an explanatory sequential mixed methods design. Quantitative data were collected using a one-group pretest–posttest design with a 20-item multiple-choice test on basic astronomy knowledge and a 25-item Likert-scale questionnaire on scientific attitudes. Qualitative data were obtained through classroom observations and semi-structured interviews. Quantitative results revealed that students’ posttest scores for both basic astronomy knowledge and scientific attitudes were significantly higher than their pretest scores at the .05 level. Qualitative findings indicated that students were engaged, enthusiastic, and inspired by direct experiences such as naked-eye stargazing, telescope observations, group discussions, and collaborative problem solving. These experiences facilitated conceptual change, reinforced accurate scientific understanding, and promoted the construction of new knowledge. In conclusion, the experiential astronomy camp proved to be an effective approach to enhancing scientific learning and fostering positive attitudes toward science in the context of basic education.