The Nature of Science Assessment by Gifted Secondary School Students in Türkiye

This research study aimed to assess the nature of science (NOS) understanding among students attending science and art centers in Türkiye. The study employed a case study design and a qualitative research method, focusing on 60 identified gifted middle school students at the Selçuklu Science and Art Center during the 2022-2023 academic year. The students' perspectives on the NOS were evaluated using the Nature of Science Evaluation Scale, and the collected data underwent descriptive analysis. The study's findings revealed that a majority of the gifted students demonstrated perspectives aligned with the NOS. However, many of these students' views regarding the role of scientists in shaping scientific knowledge did not align with the NOS. Additionally, the results indicated that students predominantly attributed the development of scientific knowledge to the observations made by scientists. These findings emphasize the significance of implementing targeted activities to enhance students' understanding of the NOS, potentially aligning their perspectives with the established principles of NOS.