Exploring the Impact of Digital REACT Applications on Science Education

This study examines the effects of teaching the "Reproduction, Growth, and Development in Living Organisms" unit from the 7th-grade science curriculum using digital REACT applications on students' academic performance, attitudes towards science and digital technology, motivation for learning science, and knowledge retention. Conducted in a secondary school in Mersin's Akdeniz district during the 2022-2023 academic year, this quasi-experimental research involved 66 seventh-grade students. The students were divided into three groups: one control group and two experimental groups. The first experimental group participated in digital REACT activities, while the second group used the REACT strategy without digital tools. The control group followed the standard curriculum. Data collection instruments included the "Academic Achievement Test," the "Science Course Attitude Scale," the "Attitude Scale Toward Digital Technology," and the "Motivation Scale for Learning Science." The findings showed that digital REACT activities significantly improved students' academic achievement and knowledge retention. However, no significant changes were observed in their attitudes towards science or digital technology and their motivation for learning science. Based on these results, recommendations were made for future research and for consideration by the Ministry of National Education.