Development and Application of Practice-Centered Science Camp Programs

In this study the authors developed the practice-centered science camp program which was based on the review of out-of-school scientific activities and the standards of HASA (Hands, Head and Heart At Science Activity) curriculum emphasizing on hands-operated skills. After applying this science camp program we confirmed the validity of the program based on the students' responses at the camp. Using students' reports written during the camp and their essays written on the web-site after camp, we analyzed students' responses into four categories; knowledge, inquiry, hands-operated skills, and scientific attitudes. Also we evaluated the components of the science camp programs and students' perception of science and science-related attitudes using a questionnaire before and after the camp. In terms of contents and activities for the development and application of science camp, our result showed that the science camp program should be complemented to connect real life with high-tech science and include more activities related hands-operated skills and competition activities evoking constructive competitive spirits. In conclusion, we can infer that the agencies which take parts of the national policy enterprise related science education, such as Scientific Education Research Center, must develop and specialize science camp program with more competitive human resource system and economic support. Science educators should give more attention on joining school science education with out-of-school science education, which might have a positive effect on students' attitudes and participation toward science.